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.
Sonowal also said that he hoped all the National Sports
Federations (NSFs) will field their best athletes to make the Games a grand success.
"Hockey India will definitely field their best possible team. I believe whoever is participating will make the event very lively and competitive.
"I believe all the NSFs are taking keen interest in the event and are trying to send their best players for the Games," he said.
IOA president N Ramachandran too is optimistic about the Games' success and said the Olympic body will extend possible help to the organisers.
"We are very confident the Games will be successful. India is hosting it after five years. The IOA is very happy that it is being held in the North Eastern region. IOA will be responsible for the technical conduct of the Games and everything seems to be going on schedule," he said.
Like Sonowal, the IOA chief also hoped all the NSFs will nominate their star athletes for the SAG.
"It is left to the individual federations but we have told all the federations to ensure that top stars participate in the Games. We have told all the federations to try and see that their best players participate in the Games," Ramachandran said.
