Sri Lanka to host first South Asian Beach Games

BEACH GAMES...Sri Lanka will host the first ever South Asian Beach Games from October 8 to 14 in Hambantota.

The launching ceremony was held last week at Olympic House under the patronage of Minister of Sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage along with Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Dilan Perera - the Chairman of the SABG Committee, Namal Rajapaksa - Member of Parliament for Hambantota District, Governor Central Bank Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Chairman of National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka Hemasiri Fernando, Ambassadors and other distinguished invitees.

Minister Dilan Perera said that the new post-war Sri Lanka is developing at a rapid pace and coming to the forefront both economically and emotionally. He said that Sri Lanka is on a drive to host international events which will focus the world's eyes on Asia's most treasured island.

The hosting of the South Asian Beach Games at Hambantota's newly built sports courts complex is the first step.

Participants will be involved in healthy rivalry in games spanning from Beach Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Beach Netball, Beach Football, Beach Kabaddi, Marathon Swimming, Sailing, Lifesaving, Triathlon (swimming, running, cycling), Equestrian (horse tent pegging), Beach Handball to Bodybuilding.

There will be many foreign countries that will participate. The countries will include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be the host country.