12th South Asian Games Inaugurated with Fanfare

12th South Asian Games Inaugurated with Fanfare

Teamwork, Togetherness and Talent to be the hallmark of the Games: Shri Narendra Modi
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated the 12th South Asian Games, 2016 in a glittering ceremony at the Sarusajai Sports Complex in Guwahati before a rapturous and capacity crowd . A host of dignitaries were present on the occasion including, the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports(IC), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the Chief Minister of Assam Shri Tarun Gogoi , the Chief Minister of Meghalaya Shri Mukul Sangma, the Governors of Assam and Meghalaya , the Union Petroleum Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan among others. The event was telecast live on Doordarshan to millions homes across the region.

Declaring the Games open, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, welcomed all participants. Espousing on the theme of ‘Atithi Devo Bhabo’, he urged all to enjoy the hospitality and scenic beauty of the North East and compete with togetherness, teamwork and talent. The Prime Minister further said that his vision for South Asia is the same with his vision for India -- that is, Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. Describing the Games as a springboard for the overall development of the North East India, India as a whole and the South East Asia, he asked all to play for Peace, Prosperity and Progress. He also said that 21% population of the world resides in South East Asia contributing 9% of the world economy. He said that this Game will further strengthen cooperation among the SAARC countries.
The inauguration ceremony was started by the team parade. The participating nations, decked out in their traditional dresses made their way into the ground amidst huge cheers from the packed audience. Each participating nations carried waters from one of their major rivers and the Indian Ocean. The waters were later merged into the Brahmaputra, symbolizing the confluence of the nations and the way forward in harmony and togetherness.
The Flame of the 12th South Asian Games was brought into the grounds by Gagan Nareng and was relayed through by eminent sport personalities including Monalisa Mehta, Bhogeshwar Baruah, Anju Bobby Goerge , Krishna Poonia and Rani Nagpal. Baichung Bhutia did the final lap and lit the digital flames in the centre of the ground.
The cultural show, which followed the flame lighting ceremony was a glittering spectacle showcasing the confluence of the digital and the traditional. Immersing the grounds in a show of vivid colours and lights ,the show started with the theme song of the Games, ‘Ai Prithibi Ek Krirangan’. The song originally composed by Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, it was performed by artists’ Mayukh Hazarika, Lou Majao and others and spreads the message of peace and harmony through sports. It was followed by a colourful display of the traditional dances of the region and song performances by artists like Zubin Garg, Angaraag Mahanta and Nahid Afrin.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs (IC), Shri Sarbanada Sonowal welcomed all participants to the states of Assam and Meghalaya and spoke on the huge opportunity the Games represented for the North East. Chief Minister of Assam Shri Tarun Gogoi, compared the mascot Tikhor to the spirit of the Games and espoused all to imbibe the values represented by him. Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Mukul Sangma, echoing the same sentiments stated that the North East comprises of a great talent pool of sports and asked all participants to indulge in the distinct lifestyle and culture the region represents.
The 12th South Asian Games, 2016 is the first international multi-sporting mega event in the North Eastern region. Athletes from eight member countries namely – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be participating. Around 3500 athletes and sports officials from 8 countries are participating in the biggest ever sporting spectacle in the North East India.
*****
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Kickstarts 12th South Asian Games
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated the South Asian Games at Guwahati, Assam in a glittering ceremony in the presence of a galaxy of national and international dignitaries including Chief Minister of Assam Shri Tarun Gogoi and Union Minister of State (I/C) Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. A colorful March- Past by players of participating countries enthralled the audience.

The events related to South Asian Games are to be held in Guwahati & Shillong till 16-Feb-2016.This is the biggest sporting extravaganza ever held in the North East India. and the 1st ever gender equal South Asian Games with men & women participation in all the sports. For conduct of the games an organizing committee has been set up under the Chairmanship of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports (I/C) Government of India and Shri N. Ramachandran President Indian Olympic Association as co - chairman.

SAARC nations namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are participating in the games. SAARC is a platform for the people of South Asia to work together in a spirit of friendship, trust and understanding so as to achieve lasting peace and prosperity of its member nations. South Asian Games play a vital role in achieving this objective.

228 events in 23 Sports disciplines will be played during the games. Total No. of medals for medal tally – 228 Gold, 228 Silver and 308 Bronze medals. 16 Sports Disciplines will be played at Guwahati – Athletics, Basketball, Volleyball, Swimming, Triathlon, Hockey, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Squash, Shooting, Kho Kho, Kabaddi, Handball, Cycling and Tennis. 7 Sports Disciplines will be played at Shillong – Archery, Badminton, Boxing, Judo, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Wushu. Men Football will be played at Guwahati and Women football at Shillong.

Games logo symbolizes peace, progress & prosperity in the region. It consists of 8 petals representing the 8 countries participating in the Games. Colors of petals are from the flags of the 8 countries. Mascot “TIKHOR” a Baby rhino is Sharp, Naughty, Sporty & Modern. He is a Motivator, friend and messenger of peace, progress & prosperity. The theme song is ‘Ei Prithibi Ekhon Krirangon, Krira Hol Shantir Prangon’ sung by the world famous musician late Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. It means that the whole world is a playground and sports is a symbol of peace. The song is being translated in official languages of all SAARC nations and will be sung in each of these languages.
******
Ex-gratia assistance of Rs. 2 lakh from National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons, to Shri Bir Bahadur, former Footballer
Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports (Independents Charge) has sanctioned ex-gratia assistance of Rs. 2 lakh from National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons, to Shri Bir Bahadur, former Footballer who is living in indigent conditions. Shri Bir Bahadur has been part of the Series Football Team, which was Runner-up (twice) in 1966 and 1969 of National Football Championship (Santosh Trophy).

The Scheme of National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons provides for lump sum financial assistance to outstanding sportspersons of the yester years, who are at present living in indigent circumstances.
*****
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Inaugurate 12th South Asian Games Today
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Games on 5th February 2016 evening at Guwahati in a glittering ceremony. 12th South Asian Games are to be held in Guwahati & Shillong from 5th Feb, 2016 to 16-Feb-2016 and will be the biggest sporting extravaganza ever held in the North East India and the 1st ever gender equal South Asian Games with men & women participation in all the sports. For conduct of the games an organizing committee has been set up under the Chairmanship of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports (I/C) Government of India and Shri N. Ramachandran President Indian Olympic Association as co - chairman.

SAARC nations namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be participating in the games. SAARC nations comprise 21% of the world's total population and around 9.12% of Global economy. SAARC is a platform for the people of South Asia to work together in a spirit of friendship, trust and understanding so as to achieve lasting peace and prosperity of its member nations. South Asian Games play a vital role in achieving this objective.

228 events in 23 Sports disciplines will be played during the games. Total No. of medals for medal tally – 228 Gold, 228 Silver and 308 Bronze medals. 16 Sports Disciplines will be played at Guwahati – Athletics, Basketball, Volleyball, Swimming, Triathlon, Hockey, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Squash, Shooting, Kho Kho, Kabaddi, Handball, Cycling and Tennis. 7 Sports Disciplines will be played at Shillong – Archery, Badminton, Boxing, Judo, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Wushu. Men Football will be played at Guwahati and Women football at Shillong.

Games logo symbolizes peace, progress & prosperity in the region. It consists of 8 petals representing the 8 countries participating in the Games. Colors of petals are from the flags of the 8 countries. Mascot “TIKHOR” a Baby rhino is Sharp, Naughty, Sporty & Modern. He is a Motivator, friend and messenger of peace, progress & prosperity. The theme song is ‘Ei Prithibi Ekhon Krirangon, Krira Hol Shantir Prangon’ sung by the world famous musician late Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. It means that the whole world is a playground and sports is a symbol of peace. The song is being translated in official languages of all SAARC nations and will be sung in each of these languages.