New Delhi: Stressing that next month’s South Asian Games (SAG), the first multi-sport international event to be hosted by North East, will be a “success”, Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the Games will help in showcasing the potential of the region.
The SAG will be jointly co-hosted by Guwahati and picturesque Shillong from February 5 to 16.
“It’s a very good beginning. The torch relay has been successfully launched today and this torch will first go to Shillong and then come down to Guwahati,” said Sonowal during the launch of the relay here today.
“We are very happy with whatever support we have received so far from the Government of Assam and Meghalaya and the people of North East. Our Prime Minister is kind enough to extend all his possible support. Indian Olympic Association is also taking a lot of responsibility.
“So we are firmly of the opinion that this SAG will be a grand success. This Games will help North East to focus on the potentialities, probabilities and prosperity of the region,” said the Minister, who is also the chairman of the Games Organising Committee.
He said 3,000 athletes from eight countries will participate in 23 events during the Games, while six events will be held in Shillong, the rest will take place in Guwahati.
Sonowal also reiterated that Pakistan will participate in the SAG.
“We have sent delegations to all participating nations.
Our delegation went there (to Pakistan) and discussed with the Government of Pakistan. They have assured us that they will come with full team,” he said.
A few days back there were reports that the Pakistan delegation will fly straight to Guwahati and Shillong in chartered flights owing to security concerns but Sonowal said Pakistan is yet to communicate to the organisers about its athletes travel schedule for the Games.
“They have confirmed their participation but are yet to communicate their travel schedule and route,” he said.
PTI
