Colourful opening to National Games

A colourful and vibrant opening ceremony, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Punjab, marked the inauguration of the 31st National Games in Ludhiana on Monday.

Home Minister L K Advani declared the Games open at the packed-to-capacity Guru Nanak stadium, heralding the 12-day sporting extravaganza, which is expected to gauge the country's standard in various sports disciplines.

The capacity crowd, many of whom had occupied the galleries since early afternoon, burst into thunderous applause as Advani declared the Games open in the presence of a host of dignitaries.

Over 8,000 competitors, who now will move to various venues in the state, will battle for glory in 27 disciplines at the Games, which returned to Punjab after 45 years.

Ludhiana, one of the industrial hubs of Punjab, will play host to six events, including the showpiece athletics, while five other venues - Jalandhar, Patiala, Anandpur Sahib, Chandigarh and Mohali will stage the other disciplines.

The much-postponed Games, being held at more than one venue for the first time since its inception, will not only give an opportunity for lesser-known participants to make a mark at the national level but will also test the organisational efficiency of the host association.

Although the organisers have projected the mega event as the 31st National Games, it is the sixth edition of the Games, being held under the new format. The first edition of the modern National Games was held in New Delhi in 1985.

Besides the ceremonial formalities and speeches, the two-hour inaugural show contained a variety of cultural dances and songs, including 'bhangra' and 'giddha, depicting the five rivers of Punjab.

The ceremony began with a march past by the participating teams in alphabetical order, with Andhra Pradesh making their way into the stadium first, while the host contingent, attired in traditiional Punjabi outfits, was given a rousing reception.

After a brief speech Advani in Hindi, hundred of multi-coloured balloons were released in to the clear evening sky.

The Indian Olympic Association flag was ceremonially brought into the stadium by hockey Olympians of the state and was hoisted amidst applause from the spectators.

Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi and secretary general Randhir Singh were among the VIPs present. The other VIPs included Sports Minister Uma Bharti, SGPC president Jagdev Singh Talwandi, former IOA president V C Shukla and ministers of Punjab government.

Ramandeep Singh, captain of the Indian hockey team which won the 1998 Asian Games title, and ace discus thrower Neelam J Singh took the oath on behalf of the athletes.

The Games torch, lit in Patiala on November 16 was carried through all the five venues by more than 600 sportspersons of the state. Milkha Singh lit the flame.

An interesting feature of the opening ceremony was the presence of a galaxy of former sportspersons who had brought laurels for the country during their heydays.

The contingent of former sportspersons, including 'Flying Sikh' Milkha Singh, wrestler Kartar Singh, hockey players Ajit Pal Singh, Balbir Singh, Dharam Singh, Hardial Singh, body builder Prem Chand and former India cricket captain Bishen Singh Bedi, reminded the spectators of sporting traditions and the contribution of Punjab in the field of sports.

A breathtaking motorcycle display by the Punjab Police team was another highlight of the ceremony as the cops displayed their daredevil skills.

Over 1200 dancers, who had assembled from various parts of the state, took part in the cultural programme.

Tight security arrangements were made in and around the stadium, located in the heart of the city, to avoid any untoward incident.