Athletes to vie for 228 gold medals

Guwahati, Shillong ready to hold a peaceful SA Games

India is confident of staging a successful South Asian Games next month. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has taken all possible steps to smooth arrival of  athletes of seven guest countries. The 12th edition of SA Games will be held in Guwahati and Shillong from February 5 to 15.
A delegation of IOA and Indian youth affairs and sports ministry stated this at a press conference at the auditorium of Bangladesh Olympic Association in the capital yesterday.
Dr SM Bali, representative of BOA and member of technical committee vice-chairman, said over 2500 athletes have entered their names in 22 disciplines. “Bangladesh will take part in all disciplines including newly introduced triathlon. We are fully prepared to give all facilities to athletes at Games Village and special security measures have been taken for the participants.”
The athletes will fight for 228 gold, 228 silver and 308 bronze medals. Sixteen sports disciplines will be played at Guwahati and reaming seven at the Shillong.  The men’s football will take place at Guwahati and women’s football in Shillong.
Bali further stated that the Games will be opened through a glittering  opening ceremony on February 5 at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Guwahati. Indian  Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the Games this time in India. Earlier Kolkata and Chennai hosted the South Asian Games. A separate opening ceremony will be staged at Shillong. However, the closing ceremony will only take place at Guwahati  on February 16.
Rakesh Kumar, under secretary of youth affairs and sports, said at the IOA has drafted a colour logo for the Games. “ The logo symobolises peace, progress and prosperity in the region. It consists of 8 petals representing eight countries participating the Games. Colour of petals are from the flags of the eight countries,” said Kumar.
The IOA has named “TIKHOR”  a baby rhino as the mascot of the Games. The theme song ‘ Ei Pritibi Ekhon Krirangon, Krira Hol Shantir Prangon’ sung by the world famous musician late Bhupen Hazrarika. It means that the whole world is a playground and sports is a symbol of peace.
Meanwhile, officials of Bangladesh Olympic Association Kazi Rajib Ahmed Chapal, treasurer and deputy secretary general Rafiqul Islam hope that Bangladesh would win gold medal in boxing, taekwondo, shooting and archery. There are also possibility of winning gold medals in the other events.   
BOA deputy secretary general Ashiqur Rahman Miku further stated that Bangladesh would leave for India in three batches on February 3, 4 and 8.

Athletes to vie for 228 gold medals

Guwahati, Shillong ready to hold a peaceful SA Games

India is confident of staging a successful South Asian Games next month. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has taken all possible steps to smooth arrival of athletes of seven guest countries. The 12th edition of SA Games will be held in Guwahati and Shillong from February 5 to 15. A delegation of IOA and Indian youth affairs and sports ministry stated this at a press conference at the auditorium of Bangladesh Olympic Association in the capital yesterday. Dr SM Bali, representative of BOA and member of technical committee vice-chairman, said over 2500 athletes have entered their names in 22 disciplines. Bangladesh will take part in all disciplines including newly introduced triathlon. We are fully prepared to give all facilities to athletes at Games Village and special security measures have been taken for the participants. The athletes will fight for 228 gold, 228 silver and 308 bronze medals. Sixteen sports disciplines will be played at Guwahati and reaming seven at the Shillong. The mens football will take place at Guwahati and womens football in Shillong. Bali further stated that the Games will be opened through a glittering opening ceremony on February 5 at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Guwahati. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the Games this time in India. Earlier Kolkata and Chennai hosted the South Asian Games. A separate opening ceremony will be staged at Shillong. However, the closing ceremony will only take place at Guwahati on February 16. Rakesh Kumar, under secretary of youth affairs and sports, said at the IOA has drafted a colour logo for the Games. The logo symobolises peace, progress and prosperity in the region. It consists of 8 petals representing eight countries participating the Games. Colour of petals are from the flags of the eight countries, said Kumar. The IOA has named TIKHOR a baby rhino as the mascot of the Games. The theme song Ei Pritibi Ekhon Krirangon, Krira Hol Shantir Prangon sung by the world famous musician late Bhupen Hazrarika. It means that the whole world is a playground and sports is a symbol of peace. Meanwhile, officials of Bangladesh Olympic Association Kazi Rajib Ahmed Chapal, treasurer and deputy secretary general Rafiqul Islam hope that Bangladesh would win gold medal in boxing, taekwondo, shooting and archery. There are also possibility of winning gold medals in the other events. BOA deputy secretary general Ashiqur Rahman Miku further stated that Bangladesh would leave for India in three batches on February 3, 4 and 8.