A short film on folk hero Birsa Munda, arrival of mascot – the smiling deer 'Chhaua', fire dancers, a laser show highlighting five sporting icons of the state (hockey stars Jaipal Singh Munda, Samurai Tete, Sylvanus Dung Dung, archer Sanjeeva Singh and India cricket skipper MS Dhoni) were the main attractions of the opening ceremony.

Popular fusion rock band- "Manthan", composed of students of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad opened the event and entertained the esteemed dignitaries.

[3] Bollywood stars Sameera Reddy, Vivek Oberoi and Amisha Patel performed in the ceremony along with singer Sukhwinder Singh.

The National Games Organising Committee (NGOC) had issued orders for the same to Jharcraft for manufacturing 14,000 mementoes that will be given to players and guests as a remembrance of their arrival in the State.

The Union sports minister Ajay Maken was supposed to be the chief guest, withdrew from the function due to differences with Suresh Kalmadi.

[1] A special song Vidai has been performed by the "folk artists and percussionists" which formed the "theme of the state's cultural show".