Sponsorship worth Rs. 215 million secured for South Asian Games

Its 29 days to go for the 10th South Asian Games to be hosted by Sri Lanka. The eight-nation mega event will be the biggest ever multi-sport event to be staged in Sri Lanka. Through this countdown series, the 'Daily News' will have a closer look at the South Asian Games, local preparations and our medal prospects.

Countdown to the South Asian Games with Dinesh Weerawansa

GAMES: The SA Sub-committee on Sponsorship has so far raised Rs. 215 million, its chairman Nalin Attygalle said yesterday. He said this figure include both cash as well as kind contributions towards the games.

"I have still not finished my task. We are still looking for sponsorships. This is a national event and if we don't raise funds, the Treasury will have to pump in more money. Hence, we are making every effort to reduce the burden on the Government," he said.

The sponsorship committee chief said they are targeting Rs.300 million. "We are making every effort to go for that goal. We are currently negotiating with several more prospective sponsors. But I am happy with the progress we have made so far," he said.

The Colombo 2006 SA Games will have a special significance. For the first time ever in its 23-year-old history, the South Asian version of the Olympics, the name of the Games has been changed from SAF Games to South Asian Games.

In addition, the principal sponsor will award a gold plated Sri Lanka Telecom Cup for the team ending on top of the final medal standings with the most number of gold medals.

It is interesting to find the origin of the games. The South Asian version of Olympics began way back in 1984 and the inaugural Games were held in Kathmandu, Nepal. It was the regional body of the South Asian

nations that made way for a multi-sport event.

Sri Lanka managed to secure only seven gold medals at the inaugural Games but still managed to secure the second place in the final standings. But it was India which dominated completely with a rich haul of 44 gold medals.

India's champion swimmers made the main contribution towards their country's success, securing a total of 22 gold medals. Khazan Singh was in fine form, winning six gold medals in swimming - men's 100m and 200m free-style, 100m and 200m butterfly, 200m and 400m individual medley.

Sri Lanka's Simone Van Heer clocked 12.30 seconds to emerge the fastest woman, winning the much looked forward to 100m dash. The golden boy of Sri Lanka swimming - Julian Bolling, won 400m and 1,500m freestyle events.

It would be interesting to see how Sri Lanka would fare as the hosts of the 10th edition scheduled to begin on August 18. But it would be an uphill task for any nation to put an end to the Indian dominance.