The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The 2nd Indo-Bangladesh Bangla Games'2008, involving hosts Bangladesh and Bengal team of India, will begin here on February 22 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium (BNS).

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed is expected to inaugurate the five-day meet Friday (Feb 22) afternoon at a gala opening ceremony.

Some 478 athletes and officials, including 228 from West Bengal, will participate in the game's second version in nine disciplines of sports-athletics, swimming, shooting, basketball, volleyball, kabaddi, kho kho, football and cricket.

Out of the nine games, both the men's and women's events have been included in four disciplines-football, shooting, athletics and swimming. Cricket, the hot favorite game of the subcontinent, has been included in the ensuing games for the first time.

The Bengal team of India will arrive here on February 21 through Benapole boarder. On their way to capital Dhaka, the team will be accorded receptions at six points.

The four-and-half-an-hour opening ceremony will start at 3:30pm soon after arrival of the chief guest at the stadium, followed by landing of four paratroopers of Bangladesh Army carrying the flags of Bangladesh, India, BOA and Indo-Bangla Games.

BOA President and Army general Moeen U Ahmed, West Bengal's State Minister for Sports and Transport Subhash Chakrawarty will address the ceremony before the chief guest declares the meet open.

Popular band star Ayub Bachchu will present theme song written by Major (retd) Anis. Performers of Shilpakala Academy will present their traditional songs and dances in the 30-minute function before the massive fireworks at the country's premier stadium.

Artistes of Kolkata cultural teams will stage a 20-minute show.

A live concert, led by Ayub Bachchu, will be the another attraction of the opening ceremony. The concert will begin at 6:35pm at the big bowl.

A dress rehearsal of the opening ceremony was held earlier on Jan 30 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

Earlier, the BOA formed a strong ceremonies committee, headed by BDR director general Major General Shakil Ahmed.

Games venues: Shooting-BKSP, athletics-Banani Army Stadium, swimming-Mirpur National Swimming Pool, basketball-Mirpur Shahid Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium/BKSP, kho kho-Outer Stadium, kabaddi-Kabbadi Stadium, volleyball-Dhaka and Gazipur, Twenty/20 cricket-Bogra, Rajshahi and Fatullah.