HIGHLIGHTS OF THE OPENING CEREMONY

*     Water from Kabul (Afghanistan), Sindhu (Pakistan), Indian Ocean (Maldives as it has no river), Mahaweli (Sri Lanka), Padma (Bangladesh), Kosi (Nepal), Mas (Bhutan) and Brahmaputra (India) were mixed as one to show oneness of South Asia and then taken to be immersed in Brahmaputra.

*    The highlight of the sports section, the other being cultural section was the digital lighting of the Games' torch with former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia doing the honours. Sikkimese Bhutia, who was Indian football's poster boy for many years before his retirement in 2011, took the Games torch from Gagan rang (shooter), Molisa Baruah (former Assam TT player), Bhogeshwar Barua (first Assamese Arju awardee), Rani Rampal (hockey), Krish Poonoia (discuss throw) and Anju Booby George (former athlete).

*     The Indian contingent led by flagbearer and squash player Sourav Ghosal got the loudest cheer