#479 India...Thanks Syed!

This FDC was issued on 3rd October,2010 on the inaugural day of the XIX Commonwealth Games held in Delhi between 2010.10.03 to 10.14, illustrating tennis,archery,hockey and athletics.

The XIX Commonwealth Games is the largest multi sport event in Delhi after the Asian Games in 1951 and 1982.It is also for the first time that the Commonwealth Games held in India.

85 Commonwealth Nations participated in 260 games in 17 disciplines.These events will take place in the upgraded existing stadiums and new stadiums constructed specially for the games.

The opening and closing ceremonies of the Games took place at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium,New Delhi.It showcased the spirit,talent and rich fiber of Indian culture.The mascot of the game,"Shera",combines modern and traditional India and embodies the values,majesty,power,charisma,intelligence,grace and elegance of the tiger.

The official slogan of the Commonwealth Games 2010 is "Come out and Play".The logo tagline is an invitation to every person across all divides Indian and Commonwealth to participate in the Games to the best of their abilities,in the true spirit of the Games.

India Post has already issued two sets of stamps on themes:One set on the Queen's Baton Relay and a second set on the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium and Talkatora Stadium.