Colourful ceremony marks Shillong launch

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, Feb 6: The 12th South Asian Games 2016 witnessed a grand opening in Shillong on Saturday with an impressive crowd turnout at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

As promised by the organizers the Shillong Launch of the 12th Edition of South Asian Games was a mixture of the traditiol and the modern.

At the Shillong Launch, young Venetia Warshong who rendered Celine Dion’s ‘The Power of Dream’ with her powerful voice was the show stealer.

The show took off with a parade of the participating countries’ athletes.

Speaking at the iugural ceremony, Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma extended his warmest greetings to all dignitaries and people of the state.

“I would like to welcome you to the capital of Meghalaya-Shillong, the abode of clouds. This privilege of being able to host SAG is owed to the State governments of Assam and Meghalaya and most of all, to the government of India for making it happen. It’s a rare opportunity to see the flags of eight different tions being waved here at the JN Stadium,” he said.

The Chief Minister went on to say that the South Asian Games is a platform to bring in all neighbouring tions to India in the years to come.

“We are proud to share that Northeast India has come a long way to be able to host an event of this magnitude. We will definitely look forward to hosting many more intertiol events in the years to come.” He added, “It is the role of all of us in Meghalaya to play great hosts to all visiting tions. I convey my best wishes to all the participants. May this 12th SAG be a grand success.”

Union Minister of State and Sports Affairs Sarbanda Sonowal also spoke on the occasion saying that Shillong is a beautiful city with exceptiol sporting infrastructure.

Sonowal said, “The South Asian Games will bring harmony, friendship, cooperation and unity to all South Asian tions. It is true that sports build unity and oneness.” Sonowal concluded by saying, “People of the North East are friendly and known for their hospitality. To all contingents, I hope your experience will be a memorable one. I also extend my sincere appreciation to Mukul Sangma who has taken great pains to promote sports in Meghalaya. We are happy host the South Asian Games 2016.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Meghalaya, Zenith Sangma said that host the 12th South Asian Games is a proud moment for both Shillong and Guwahati.