Kuala Lumpur's National Stadium erupted into celebration as more than 4,000 athletes from 60 countries descended on Malaysia for the beginning of the 16th Commonwealth Games. Fireworks, laser shows and teams from around the world delighted a stadium crowd of about 100,000 as the opening ceremony got underway. Early criticisms that the games would not be world class have been proved wrong by some top athletic performances, including a men's 200 m freestyle world record from the Australians in swimming. Above all the games represent the spirit of friendship among Commonwealth nations.