Milestones

Pune, the city of youth, culture and vibrancy has been conferred with the honour of hosting the III Commonwealth Youth Games. This verdict is indeed in the favour of all sports enthusiasts and city dwellers, given their repute for hospitality and enthusiasm.

100 days celebrations

Pune, 5th July 2008: To celebrate “100 Days to Go” for the Commonwealth Youth Games Pune 2008, the Organizing Committee organized a spectacular cultural evening at the Corinthian Club for the volunteers on 4th July. The event also witnessed the launch of CYG Merchandise and Uniforms amidst much fanfare. The concept was unique - the best of everything under one roof.

The evening started off with the performance of “Jalebee Cartel” with 100 Dhol players, where fusion music was belted out to mark “100 Days to go” for CYG Pune 2008 followed by a welcome address by Mr. Suresh Kalmadi , MP and Chairman, OC CYG Pune 2008. Also present on the occasion were Mr. Michael Fennell – President, Commonwealth Games Federation, Mr. Mike Hooper - CEO Commonwealth Games Federation, Mr. Rakesh Mehta - Chief Secretary, Govt. of Delhi, Mr. Randhir Singh - Member IOC & Vice Chairman, CWG Delhi 2010, Mr. Sayan Chatterjee - Director General, Sports Authority of India, Mr. Madhur Bajaj - VP, Bajaj Auto and Mrs. Lila Poonawalla & Mr. Firoz Poonawalla among other dignitaries.

Taking the evening to new heights, one of India’s leading musicians, Raghav Sachar entranced everybody with his performance by playing various musical instruments and delivering some of his hit numbers as he constantly interacted with the audience.

Mr. Michael Fennell and Mr. Suresh Kalmadi launched the merchandise and showcased the complete range for the guests present on the occasion. This was followed by a fashion show launching the uniforms designed by Ms. Nivedita Saboo for the Volunteers, Technical Officials, Youth Baton Relay and the Organising Committee.

Merchandise designed by Professional Sports Services was showcased on the ramp by children who have been National and International awardees in sports. Each style in the range oozed refined sophistication with innovation and premium branding treatment.

The grand finale of the fashion show saw Mr. Kalmadi and former Miss India Ms. Amrita Thapar walk the ramp along with Jigrr, the official Mascot of CYG Pune 2008. The Organising Committee of CYG Pune 2008 and top models like Gauhar Khan, Mugda Godse, Viraf Patel and Priyanka Shah also joined the participants on the ramp to add more glamour to the evening.

A beautiful ballet performance by Terence Lewis’s troupe embodied the spirit of “Save the Tiger” and the Green Games initiatives that are the causes supported by CYG Pune 2008.

A brilliant laser show told the story of the Youth Baton Relay. The true spirit of CYG Pune 2008 was depicted by the children of Delhi Public School carrying the flags of all 71 participating nations, wherein the crowd gave a standing ovation to the pageantry. This was followed by the launch of the theme song of CYG Pune 2008, penned by Mr. Javed Akhtar and sung by Mr. Shankar Mahadevan.

The energetic evening was rounded off with the pulsating beats of “Infra-Red” who had the crowd on its toes till the end. With the happening night at its best, the event received an overwhelming response from all the guests and volunteers alike.