The North East Indian cities of Guwahati and Shillong are well prepared to host the eight-nation 12th South Asian Games, the biggest sports carnival of the region, scheduled for February 5-16.
Some 4,300 athletes and officials from eight South Asian countries — Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka — are expected to participate in 23 disciplines of sports for 228 gold medals.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the 12-day meet on February 5 at 30,000-capacity Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium in Guwahati.
The 12-day SA Games, the first of its kind in the North East India and the 3rd time in India after Kolkata and Chennai, will be held in 17 venues — seven in Shillong and remaining in Guwahati.
Member of Indian delegation and representative of Indian Olympic Association Dr SM Bali, now in Dhaka for promotion of the 12th South Asian Games, disclosed these at a press conference at the Dutch-Bangla Bank Auditorium of BOA on Tuesday afternoon.
Rakesh Kumar, Under Secretary of the Indian Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and First Secretary (Political & Information) of Indian High Commission in Dhaka Rajesh Uike also spoke on the occasion.
“We’re ready to host the games. We came here in a single mission to achieve maximum participations in the games from our neighbouring countries,” said Dr SM Bali.
Replying to a question, Bali informed the pressmen that Pakistan’s participation in the games is more than cent percent confirmed.
Twenty-three disciplines of sports are: Athletics, Archery, Boxing, Badminton, Basketball, Judo, Volleyball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Triathlon, Taekwondo, Hockey, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Wushu, Football, Squash, Shooting, Kho Kho, Kabaddi, Handball, Cycling and Tennis.
The “Tokhor”, a baby rhino who is sharp, naughty, sporty and modern, was named as games “Mascot while “Ei Prithibi Ekhon Krirangon, Krira Holo Shantir Prangon” sung by world famous musician late Dr Bhupen Hazarika selected as the games theme song.
The opening ceremony will be held at the Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium in Guwahati on February 5 while another opening ceremony for the athletes of Shillong will be held on February 6.
A 500-member Bangladesh contingent, including 241 men, 168 women and other officials, is likely to participate in the games.
The Indian delegation, Indian High Commission and Bangladesh Olympic Association jointly arranged the press conference.
