Lara Dutta at 2010 CWG gala dinner 24th Mar 2006
09.20 IST
By Agencies
A host of legendary sportsmen and representatives of the Indian film industry joined hands in Melbourne on Thursday giving a clarion call to athletes and sports lovers to assemble in Delhi for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Former cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar was joined by 'Flying Sikh' Milkha Singh, former Miss Universe Lara Dutta , Dia Mirza and Manisha Koirala at a gala dinner thrown in Melbourne by the organisers of the 2010 mega event in the Indian capital for officials, athletes and other dignitaries.
Chairman of the 2010 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, Suresh Kalmadi admitted that Melbourne would be a tough act to follow.
"Melbourne has raised the bar and we are trying to emulate it. Delhi is in a state of anticipation and expectation," he said.
Prince Edward, the vice-patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation, was among the VIPs present.
Delhi, which beat the Canadian city of Hamilton 46-22 in a vote to host the Games, will formally accept the mantle of the next host during Sunday's closing ceremony, which will include a 15-minute cultural extravaganza showcasing the venue of the next Commonwealth Games.