Sri Lanka to send nearly 500 athletes to South Asian Games

Sri Lanka has confirmed that it will be one of only three countries to take part in all disciplines at the South Asian Games set to take place next year. 228 events in 23 Sports disciplines will be played in total during the games, which will be held in Guwahati and Shillong in India from 5 -16 February, 2016.

Notably, the 12th South Asian Games, which is being dubbed the “biggest sporting extravaganza ever in the North East of India,” is also the first-ever gender equal South Asian Games with men and women participation in all the sports. Sri Lanka will be sending a delegation of 484 athletes, comprising 257 men and 227 women. The number of athletes is second only to India.

16 Sports Disciplines will be held in Guwahati – Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Volleyball, Swimming, Triathlon, Hockey, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Squash, Shooting, Kho Kho, Kabaddi, Handball, Cycling and Tennis. 6 Sports Disciplines will take place in Shillong – Archery, Boxing, Judo, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Wushu. The Men’s Football meanwhile, will be played in Guwahati, while the women’s football matches will be played in Shillong.

SAARC nations namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be participating in the games; they make up 21% of the world’s total population. SAARC which bills itself as 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, hopes the South Asian Games will play a vital role in achieving this objective.

A glittering opening ceremony has been planned for 5 February, 2016 in Guwahati and a separate ceremony will also be held in Shillong on 6th February 2016 for athletes participating in Shillong.

Guwahati is in Assam State and is the main tourist hub in Northeast India and among the busiest airports in India. Shillong is a hill station with an altitude of 1496 Meters & is blessed with Natural Beauty. It is the capital city of Meghalaya and is also known as “The Abode of Clouds” and “Scotland of the East”.

A special logo, mascot and theme song have also been created for the games. The logo symbolises peace, progress and prosperity in the region. It consists of eight petals representing the eight countries participating in the Games. Colors of petals are from the flags of the eight countries. Mascot “Tikhor”, a baby rhino, is “sharp, naughty, sporty and modern.” He is a motivator, friend and messenger of peace, progress and prosperity. The theme song is ‘Ei Prithibi Ekhon Krirangon, Krira Hol Shantir Prangon’ sung by the world famous musician, the late Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. It means that the whole world is a playground and sports is a playground of peace. The song is being translated in to the official languages of all SAARC nations and will be sung in each language.

With regards to the conduct of the games an organising committee has been set up under the Chairmanship of Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports (I/C) in India Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, and co chairman the President of the Indian Olympic Association Shri N. Ramachandran. 1505 Male and 1167 Female athletes, 635 NOC and Team Officials and 200 International Technical officials have so far confirmed their participation at the event.

Details of confirmed participation received are as follows: