Spectacular opening ceremony at SA Games

Dinesh Weerawansa

It was a night to remember for the capacity crowd at the Sugathadasa Stadium and thousands of television viewers in the subcontinent as the tenth edition of the South Asian Games started with a spectacular opening ceremony in Colombo on Friday.

A new era in Sri Lanka sports began when President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared the Games open before thousands of jubilant and wildly cheering home supporters and nearly 2,500 participants from eight South Asian nations.

The opening ceremony had all the ingredients to cater to different tastes of the participating nations. It was a blend of Sri Lankan culture and the unity of South Asian sports family.

There was excitement and celebration all over as the local sports fans warmly welcomed the return of the South Asian version of the Olympics back to Sri Lanka after 15 years.

The sports loving President, who has played a significant role towards the success of the Games with a dynamic leadership to the Organising Committee, was a happy man as he graced the grand opening as the chief guest. "Sri Lanka is honoured and privileged to host the 10th South Asian Games," he said, adding that the Government attaches much significance to the Games in view of its vital contribution towards strengthening the bonds of friendship and solidarity of the people of the region, particularly the youth.

"The South Asian sportsmen and women have a long way to go to be competitive at international events. In this respect, the SA Games provide a launching pad for talented sportsmen and women of our region to enter the international arena with confidence and hope," he observed in his message.

President Rajapaksa expressed confidence that the young visitors from the seven neighbouring countries would not only find the SA Games enjoyable but also would enjoy the "warm hospitality of the Lankan people and be able to get acquainted with the charm and beauty of our resplendent island".

Olympic medallist Susanthika Jayasinghe, as the overall captain of the contingent from the host nation, proudly carried the Lion flag at the opening ceremony parade of the participating nations. There were several other World Games and Asian Games medallists representing Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan in their respective contingents.

The Games torch began its final journey from the Temple Tress and reached the stadium during the opening ceremony. Former Asian Games high jump gold medallist Nagalinga Ethirvirasingam and ex-Commonwealth Games women's 100m hurdles silver medallist Sriyani Kulawansa did the final lap before they lit the Games torch to signal the commencement of the mega event.

Adding colour to the South Asian sports extravaganza was an eye-catching fire works display provided by the Government of China, the hosts of the next Olympic Games in 2008.

Amongst the distinguished gathering were the Co-chairmen of the 10th SA Games Organising committee, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Jeevan Kumaranatunga and the President of the NOC Hemasiri Fernando.

The galaxy of stars and the VVIPs present at the opening ceremony included several Ministers, MPs, Provincial councillors, diplomats, top Olympic officials from the participating nations and Asian/ world sports officials.