Editorial
SA games with fiesta and fervour
Looking at the prospect of electrifying and engaging experience
THE colour, aplomb and eclat with which the South Asian games were inaugurated were a befitting tribute to the high water mark that the regional event has reached by now since their inception 27 years ago.
The grand show at night dazzled as luminous performances from 7500 participants from schools, colleges, Army, Ansar and VDP suffused with aquatic laser and fireworks displace. The cultural presentations were electrifying.
The very spectacle of 1793 athletes including 478 women from eight participating nations fighting for 156 gold medals in 23 disciplines will be captivating, let alone the stiff tests of stamina, skill and performing levels achieved through rigorous training over the years in the region and through other encounters. The participants are going to strive to uphold the spirit of modern Olympic movement etched on the words: 'faster, higher, stronger'. It is the attempts made and participation recorded that are of the essence here and not so much who wins and who loses, because there would be no winners without losers, and no losers without winners. It is the craving for excellence and raising of the bar of accomplishment that are the stuff of which the Olympian spirit is made.
This year's games have two well-marked features: first, three new disciplines like cricket, golf and handball have been included for the first time. Secondly, the games will be dispersed over divisional headquarters.
South Asian countries having rich cultural traditions have nonetheless been conflict-ridden on the flip-side, so that the bonhomie and brotherhood that are fostered through the games waft a balmy breeze at the face and heart of South Asia. This gain if consolidated can be a big strength for the region to spur on greater cooperation in the region.
At the end, however, a word about our sadness over the elevator accident in which some Nepali athletes were caught up. We wish them early recovery.
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