Youth Games opens

A four-hour spectacle of dancing, fireworks and aerial displays celebrated the opening of the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, India, yesterday.

After being opened by the Indian President teams from 71 participating nations entered the stadium to rapturous applause.

First in action for the Isle of Man is flag bearer and badminton competitor Josh Green, who will play in the singles draw before teaming up with 15-year-old Ben Li in the doubles event.

Also, a competition reschedule has brought boxer Danny Roberts' first bout a day ahead, a move which has prompted the youngster and Team Manager John Cain to move him up a weight division to the 64-69kg welterweight class, losing a day's preparation.

The 17-year-old's first opponent will be from Kenya.

The team has settled well in India and are all happy with the magnificient facilities and their own final preparations.

Picture: The badminton arena, where Josh Green will get the Island's medal campaign under way.