Commonwealth Games 2018: Inaugural ceremony kicks off after damp start

The 21st edition of the Commonwealth Games got off to a damp start on Wednesday after rain soaked the start of proceedings of the opening ceremony in Gold Coast, Australia which is hosting the event for the fifth time.

The inaugural ceremony, however, began shortly after at the Carrara Stadium as the heavy rain ceased.

More than 4,500 athletes from 71 nations and territories are participating in the event vying for 275 gold medals. The Indian contingent at the ceremony, consisting of over 200 athletes including double Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar, and London Olympic bronze medallists Mary Kom, Saina Nehwal and Gagan Narang, will be led by flag-bearer PV Sindhu, the Rio Olympic silver medallist.