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| Monday, 29 March 2004 |
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Media centre opens Bernard Perera reporting from Pakistan ISLAMABAD, Sunday The media centre for the 9th SAF Games was opened yesterday at the Jinnah Stadium Sports Complex, with Pakistan NOC Chief Seyed Arif Hassan as chief guest. Mediamen from all participating countries were invited for the opening. Hassan speaking on the occasion said that Sri Lankan National Olympic Committee chief Hemasiri Fernando deserves a special bouquet from Pakistani people. Fernando was instrumental in bringing these games to our country. The games scheduled for last year had to be postponed thrice due to unavoidable political situation that arose in the country, and the games were awarded to Sri Lanka. At this juncture, Fernando insisted that Games should go on in Pakistan, and he took a personal interest in meeting delegation from other countries to brief them and to hold on till the situation normalises. This is an achievement for Fernando," he said. "We Pakistanis are greatful to him for his yeoman service." Hassan further added that it was expected to cost around 530m for the Games but with these postponements it exceeded 700m. We are happy to note that the NOC in Pakistan is fortunate to have sponsored for nearly 500m. NOC needs to find only a small quantity. The media centre is a well-equipped one with all modern facilities. He said this centre will be available in the future for all sporting events held here. This is an asset to the sports complex, and also said further improvements will be made when necessity arises. Adding further he told the gathering that Pakistan as the host country decided to include rowing and squash for the games under rule which gives the option to the host country. As such the NOC dropped hockey out of the games though it is highly popular in the SAARC region. He concluded thanking all participating countries for their unstinted support extended for the organising of the event. Though the proper games open today Monday, soccer championships commenced in Rawalpindi army ground. The game saw Group B teams Bhutan and Nepal figuring in their first game which ended in a nil-all draw. The first-half was a complete dominance of Nepal soccerites, they were in control for nearly 40 minutes of the first session during which period they missed as many as three scoring opportunities. After the turn around Bhutan fought back strongly making many good moves towards their opponents territory. But they failed to capitalise from these situations to score. Lankans are scheduled to meet Nepal today (Monday) at 9.30 a.m. (Sri Lanka time 10.30) at the same venue). |
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