Lanka plans glittering opening ceremony for 10th SAF Games

Colombo, Aug 17 (UNI) A spectacular fireworks display will be the highlight of a grand opening ceremony as Sri Lanka prepares to welcome over 2,000 athletes from eight nations for the 10th South Asian Games tomorrow.

The Games will be declared open by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse, who is also the chairman of the Games' steering committee, and the opening ceremony promises to showcase the island nation's culture and tradition in all its grandeur.

The fireworks are being planned with the Chinese government's assistance, a local daily says but the rest of the show, which will be performed in front of a packed Sugathadasa Outdoor Stadium, will be run by the Lankans as they host their biggest ever multi-port event.

Most of the athletes for the 20-discipline event have already arrived and the rest are expected to reach in the next two days.

Security remains a major concern, especially after the bomb blast in the Lankan capital, which led to South Africa's pullout from the ongoing tri-series against the hosts and India.

The organisers say every possible effort is being made to ensure foolproof security and assured the participants of maximum safety.

Commonwealth Games gold medallist pistol shooter Ashok Pandit will be India's flag bearer in the event. The Indians will be competing in 17 sports and are favourites to top the medals tally.

UNI AY PM DS1405