From Ahmad Nazrin Syahmi Mohamad Arif
GLASGOW, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- The 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games brought the curtain down at The Hydro here tonight with a vibrant celebration of music, dance and unity, before the hosting baton was passed to Amdavad, India, for the 2030 edition.
The 90-minute closing ceremony, themed “A Concert of Celebration”, showcased Glasgow’s rich musical and cultural identity, while paying tribute to the athletes, volunteers and all those who made the Games a success.
Scottish singer-songwriter Sandi Thom and tribal drum band Clann An Drumma opened the show with Proud To Be From Scotland as the arena was illuminated to reveal a Saltire-shaped stage, symbolising a meeting point for nations and cultures across the Commonwealth.
Australian singer Delta Goodrem then welcomed the athletes into the arena with a medley of her songs, marking her return to the Commonwealth Games 20 years after performing at Melbourne 2006.
Goodrem performed as 74 volunteers carried the flags of the participating nations and territories into the arena before joining Scottish singer Cammy Barnes, a choir and pipers for a stirring rendition of You’re The Voice.
The ceremony continued with segments celebrating connection, Glasgow’s cultural heritage and the contributions of athletes, volunteers, organisers and spectators throughout the Games.
During the formal handover, the flags of Scotland and India entered the arena from opposite sides of the Saltire-shaped stage, with the folded Games flag carried behind the Scottish flag as singer Shereen Cutkelvin delivered an emotional performance.
The Games flag was lowered and presented to Lord Provost of Glasgow Jacqueline McLaren before being passed to Commonwealth Games Scotland vice-chair Susan Jackson, Scottish netball player Emily Nicholl and Commonwealth Sport President Dr Donald Rukare.
Rukare then handed the flag to Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra, who passed it to Commonwealth Games Association of India President PT Usha before Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi received it, formally marking Amdavad as the next host city.
The handover was followed by a three-act cultural presentation introducing India’s vision for the 2030 Games, blending Scottish and Indian music and dance to convey a message of unity across cultures.
Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, representing King Charles III, then officially declared the Games closed.
Glasgow 2026 featured about 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories competing in 215 medal events across 10 sports, including six para sports, at four competition venues.
It marked the fourth time Scotland had hosted the Commonwealth Games and the second occasion Glasgow staged the multi-sport event after the 2014 edition.
Malaysia ended its campaign in 10th place overall, with eight gold, three silver and five bronze medals.
-- BERNAMA