May 02, 2024 22:07 (IST)
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SAF games torch reaches Guwahati, theme song launched
Guwahati, Jan 22 (IBNS): The torch of 12th South Asian Games, 2016 reached Guwahati on Friday, which will be held in Guwahati and Shillong from February 5-16.
The “Run for North East” organised with the objective of creating awareness for the upcoming 12th South Asian Games, 2016 along with the Torch Relay was held on Friday morning amid much fanfare in Guwahati.
Starting at 8.30 AM from the Sonaram High School Field, the run went through the city and finished at the Nehru stadium, one of the venues for the Games.
More than 5000 people including the volunteers for the Games took part in the run.
Many eminent sports personalities from the state and the region were also present during the occasion including Arjun awrdee Bhogeshwar Barua, Padmashri Kunjarani Devi, Mithu Barua, Madhurjya Barua, Gilbertson Sangma, Elvis Ali Hazarika, Promila Bharali, Lalremsanga, Tayabun Nisha and others.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Sarbananda Sonowal handed over the torch to sports icons Bhogeshwar Barua, Kunjarani Devi, Mithu Barua and Tayabun Nisha, and then flagged off the Run.
“The 12th South Asian Games is a great moment for the entire North Eastern region. The Games and the international athletes would inspire the youths of this region and offer them a great international exposure. The Games would also help India’s North East to showcase its great culture, values and rich heritage on the global platform,” Sonowal said.
The “Run for North East” was followed by a colorful cultural function at the Nehru Stadium complex, showcasing the region’s cultural richness.
Representing the involvement of the people in the Games, the run signals the beginning of the final phase of the countdown for the 12th South Asian Games scheduled from February 5-16.
The torch will now travel to all the eight states of North East India and will try to create awareness about the Games.
The bigger idea is to ensure people’s participation in the Games.
The “Run for North East” and the Torch Relay will add to the already existing vibe around the Games, which is the first international multi-sporting mega event in the North Eastern region.
Athletes from eight member countries Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be participating.
Around 4500 athletes and sports officials from 8 countries are going to participate in the biggest ever sporting spectacle in North East India.
Earlier, the torch of the mega event was reached in Shillong.
On the other hand, the Theme Song of the 12th South Asian Games, 2016 was launched amid thunderous applause of thousands of people and volunteers, gathered for the Run for North East and the Torch Relay in Guwahati on Friday.
The theme song is one of Late Dr Bhupen Hazarika’s immortal creations ‘Ei Prithibi Ek Krirangon’.
Launching the theme song, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Sarbananda Sonowal said that, Bhupenda’s vision and universal appeal of humanity and brotherhood would keep inspiring us and the whole world.” He further added that the Theme song perfectly expresses the vision of the Games, that is, peace, progress and prosperity.
Assam Sports minister Ajit Singh was also present during the ceremony, along with eminent sports personalities from the state and the region.
The song would echo across all the venues in Guwahati and Shillong.
A recomposed version of the song has been prepared for the Games.
It has been sung by Shri Mayukh Hazarika, the nephew of legendary Dr Bhupen Hazarika, along with 8 children.
All the eight languages of the participating countries of the 12th South Asian Games, 2016 have been represented in the Theme song.
(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
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