200 days to go for CWG 2010

Kites of various colours flew in the sky Sunday as large number of people converged at the India Gate lawns to participate in a kite flying event organised to mark "200 days to go for Commonwealth Games" milestone.

The event also had a 200-foot long canvas by eminent painters and artists.

Green Games was the underlining theme for the painting and painter Satish Gujral stroked the first brush inaugurating the celebrations.

Later, about 200 kites of various shapes, sizes and colours were flown by professional kite flyers and people. The Commonwealth Games will be held in the national capital Oct 3-14.

"As we get closer to the start of the Games, our sense of anticipation and excitement as well as our confidence that we can deliver the best Games ever grows. I take this opportunity to renew our commitment to producing a successful Games," said Suresh Kalmadi, chairman of Commonwealth Games Organising Committee.

"The 200 days-to-go milestone event marks the appreciation to the spirit of the Games among the people of Delhi and the whole nation. The 200-foot canvas that is being painted by eminent cultural personalities of Delhi will be put on display at a suitable place during the Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010," he said.

Gujral said: "I consider it as a great occasion for the country and I am happy and proud to be part of it".

The organising committee also distributed some 3,000 saplings to encourage people to plant trees and to nurture it.