Guwahati: Guwahati and Shillong are all set to host 12th South Asian Games commencing tomorrow. The games will be inaugurated by Hon'ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi at 5:30 pm and the opening ceremony will see cultural performances by local artists and school children.

The SAG will see participation of nearly 3500 athletes from eight countries competing against each other in 23 disciplines. The participating countries are hosts India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Maldives and Bangladesh. Amongst all the participating nations, the hosts India are fielding maximum number of its players nearly 700 including most of the top sportspersons.

Indian Olympic Association Secretary General, Secretary General- South Asian Federation Games and Co-Convener Executive Committee of OC-SAG Mr. Rajeev Mehta who arrived this morning in Guwahati said “All the preparations for the SAG are done and all 12 stadiums are ready to host this mega event commencing tomorrow. The technical preparations for the conduct of the games are already and test events have been conducted at various venues to ensure smooth conduct of games. I am confident that with the efforts of Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, State Governments, we will be able to deliver best games in the north east region and the games will be remembered for long. I would like to wish goodluck to all the athletes and coaches participating in this mega event”.

“As this time we are fielding highest number of our contingent in the game, I am hopeful that India will win maximum number of medals in the SAG Games. SAG will be an ideal opportunity for our athletes preparing for Rio Olympic Games” added Mr. Mehta.