The 13th edition of South Asian Games was officially opened yesterday with participation of more than 5,000 delegates, including 2,715 athletes at the Dasharath Stadium.
Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari declared open the Games at the three-hour programme, which showcased the rich culture and diversity of Nepal at the newly reconstructed stadium.
Javelin thrower Nadeeka Lakmali carried the national flag of Sri Lanka at the opening ceremony.
Today Sri Lanka will be participating in the Women’s Cricket, Wushu, Triathlon, Taekwondo, Table Tennis, Tennis and Volleyball (third place). The Women’s cricket will be held in Pokhara.
Nepal is hosting the regional sporting extravaganza for the third time after 19 years from December 1 to 10 in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Janakpur. Nepal is the birthplace of the regional meet. It started under the banner of South Asian Federation Games in 1984 and returned for the second time in 1999.
The regional meet features 26 sports disciplines. Nepal is fielding the highest number of athletes 596 in all 26 sports disciplines. According to the Technical Committee, the SA Games powerhouse, India, has sent 487 athletes in 22 disciplines, while Sri Lanka has entered 568 athletes in 26 disciplines.
Bangladesh has sent 470 athletes in 25 disciplines, while Pakistan has registered 263 athletes in 18 sports. Bhutan (116) and Maldives (216) are taking part in 18 and 12 disciplines respectively.
Sri Lanka men’s Volleyball were in hunt for a bronze after being beaten by favorite India in the semi-final clash 3-1(25-27, 19-25, 25-21 & 21-25) at the Main Games Centre at Dasharath Rangashala.
Sri Lanka will play Bangladesh for the bronze medal on December 3. The women’s volleyball team also face the same fate and are fighting for a bronze medal against Maldives today. Last year Sri Lanka ended up with silver.
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