The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The West Bengal team of India arrived here on Wednesday to participate in the second Indo-Bangladesh Bangla Games that begins Friday (Feb 22) at the Bangabandhu National Stadium (BNS).

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed will inaugurate the five-day meet in the afternoon at a gala opening ceremony with hosts Bangladesh eyeing 40 out of 67 gold medals at stake

Some 469 athletes and officials, including 231 from West Bengal, will battle for 67 gold medals of the game's second edition in nine disciplines -- athletics, swimming, shooting, basketball, volleyball, kabaddi, kho kho, football and cricket.

The 231-member West Bengal team reached Bangladesh in two batches. A 204-member team led by deputy chef-de-mission Kamol Bhandaria, with the athletes and officials of eight disciplines of sports, reached Bangladesh by road through Benapole border in the morning.

The rest of the team with chef-de-mission Zulfiqar Hasan, secretary general of Bengal Olympic Association Kamolesh Chatterjee and the Bengal Cricket team reached the capital in the morning by air.

UNB Benapole correspondent adds, the West Bengal contingent was given warm reception here soon after their arrival at about 10:30 am.

BOA deputy Secretary General Ishtiaque Ahmed Karen, additional Deputy Commissioner Hawlader Zakir Hossain, Lt Col Badrul Huda of BDR, additional Police Super Quamruzzaman and Customs Commissioner Abdul Kafi received the team with bouquet.

National anthem of both India and Bangladesh were played at the reception function.

On way to capital Dhaka, the West Bengal team was also accorded receptions at five other points -- Jessore, Magura, Faridpur, Rajbari and Manikganj.

Boys and girls from different schools of the adjoining areas received the visitors with flowers, cultural show and offering sweets. Some members of the West Bengal team also sang songs.

Of the nine disciplines, both men's and women's events have been included in four disciplines -- football, shooting, athletics and swimming. Cricket, the most favourite game in the subcontinent, has been included in the ensuing Games for the first time.

The two-nation sports festival will open through a four-and-half hour gala opening ceremony starting at 3:30 pm with the arrival of the chief guest, followed by landing of four paratroopers of Bangladesh Army carrying the flags of Bangladesh, India, BOA and Indo-Bangladesh Bangla Games.

BOA President and Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed and BOA Secretary General will address the ceremony before the Chief Adviser, Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, declares the meet open.

Popular band star Ayub Bachchu will present the theme song written by Major (retd) Anis while the opening ceremony will also feature a 10-minute laser show.

Performers of Shilpakala Academy will present traditional songs and dances during the 30-minute function prior to 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 another attraction of the opening ceremony. The concert will begin at 6:30 pm at the big bowl.