The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sports Reporter

The gala opening ceremony of the Second Indo-Bangladesh Bangla Games was held at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Friday.

Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed formally opened the games as the chief guest. Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) arranged the colourful gala opening ceremony. Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed spoke at the inaugural ceremony. President of Bangladesh Olympic Association and Chief of the Army Staff General Moeen U Ahmed and President of Bengal Olympic Association (India) Paresh Nath Mukherjee also spoke on the occasion. Asian Olympic Council Secretary Raja Randhir Singh was present, among others.

Advisers, Special Assistants to the Chief Adviser, diplomats, high civil, high military officials and a good number of spectators were present at the stadium.

The West Bengal team of India arrived in the country on Wednesday last to take part in the Second Indo-Bangladesh Bangla Games scheduled to be held from February 22 to February 27.

The participants of Bangladesh team and the participants of West Bengal team of India took part in the march past at the big bowl.

The paratroopers of Bangladesh Army landed at the stadium from helicopter carrying the flags of Bangladesh, India, Olympic, Bangladesh Olympic Association, Bengal Olympic Association (India) and Indo-Bangladesh Bangla Games.

The cavalry marched around the ground carrying those flags. Later, the theme song of the Games was played with colourful folk dance.

Shilpakala Academy showed an eye-catching colourful display at the ground. After that fire works were shone in the sky which entertained the spectators.

Around five hundred fifty five participants from two countries will compete in nine disciplines of 67 gold medals. The disciplines are: Athletics, Swimming, Shooting, Football, Cricket, Basketball, Kabaddi, Kho Kho and Volleyball.

The competitions start today at the different venues across the city.

BSS, adds: Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed said sports and games play a vital role for sound health of the individuals and in ensuring social development, nation-building and flourishing civilization.

"Through sports and games, we can sow the seeds of good health in social, state and international life," he said and expressed his firm hope that the sports persons of Bangladesh and India would come closer through this Games and further strengthen the ties of friendship between the two countries.

He expressed his optimism that the week-long Games of both the neighbourly countries would greatly help the participants of both Bangladesh and India to achieve more success in the global sports arena.

Congratulating the organisers and sports persons of India and Bangladesh for holding such a sports competition, the Chief Adviser said the Indo-Bangladesh Bangla Games started its journey on Friday with a commitment of upholding the ties of harmony, solidarity and friendship between the two countries.

"Similar games are also being organised for the sports persons of two Punjabs in India and Pakistan," he said adding that the Indo-Bangladesh Bangla Games was introduced in Kolkata last year under the initiatives of Bangladesh Olympic Association and the Olympic officials of West Bengal (India).

General Moeen U Ahmed said the Games would help further strengthen socio-economic and cultural friendship between Bangladesh and India. "Such efforts of improving relations between the two neighbours would continue for the benefit of both the peoples," he added.