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The seven-day sports extravaganza, the III Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) ended with the same glitterati and bang with which it had started. The Games and its athletes bid goodbye to the city on Saturday amidst an action packed evening.



The highlight of the closing ceremony was a fabulous and entertaining dance performance by Shilpa Shetty, dare devil stunts by bikers, dazzling performances by other Bollywood actors including Riteish Deshmukh, Malaika Arora Khan, Dia Mirza and Neha Dhupia.

The event began with a mesmerising musical display by the Armed Forces' band and a scintillating aerial display by Sarang helicopters from the Indian Air Force.

The concluding ceremony was marked by Jigrr, the mascot of CYG bidding goodbye to the audience and  welcoming elder brother Shera, mascot for the 2010 Commonwealth Games to be held in New Delhi.

"I am happy that we have been able to host a world class event. CYG is a stepping stone for India and Pune towards the Olympics in 2020. We have many countries who are eager to train here where we have provide good infrastructure," said Dr Suresh Kalmadi, chairman of the CYG organising committee.

The standard at these events has impressed observers, with many Games' records being established, eclipsing the performances from the Youth Games of Bendigo (Australia) in 2004 and Edinburgh (Scotland) in 2000.

With the village and all sports venues in one cluster at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports City, the athletes had a true multi-sport experience and plenty of opportunities to bond. Many of the athletes not only bid goodbye to their fellow sportsmen, but also made plans to meet again in 2010.