CWG opening ceremony to start @ 1900 hrs local time

The Group of Ministers led by Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy have decided that the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony will start at 7 pm. The creative group, which conceived the ceremony had initially planned a 1930 hrs start since the laser show and pyrotechnics would require darkness.

(Read our Commonwealth Games opening ceremony coverage)

The CWG organising committee had, however, objected saying it had signed a deal with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation stating the ceremony would begin at 5.30 pm.

This had not gone down well with the creative group as it was too late to come up with a new theme. The OC had also claimed earlier that the opening ceremony will be best ever in history of sports.

Finally, an agreement has been reached with all stakeholders and the start of opening ceremony has been scheduled at 1900 hrs IST The ceremony will continue for about 2.5 hours