Declaring open the Games at a brightly-lit Sarusojai stadium in Guwahati, Modi said that he felt “privileged and honoured to be among sportspersons from our neighbourhood and brothers and sisters from Saarc countries”.
“I welcome all of you to India, a country known for its culture of and to this beautiful city of Guwahati known for its hospitality and love for sports,” the prime minister said.
“Young people in the North-East and especially here in Assam do not miss any opportunity to witness a good football match. This fame has spread so far and wide that the FIFA World Cup Under-17 which will be hosted first time in India in 2017 has chosen Guwahati as a prime venue for the event,” he said.
“This sports meet, for me signifies a perfect blend of 3 Ts — Talent, Teamwork and Togetherness. Among us is the best and most youthful talent from across South Asia. You are proud members of your team — it can be your team of the sport you play and a larger team of the nation you are representing.
The prime minister noted that the mascot of the Games ‘Tikhor’ represents a baby rhino, who is sharp and intelligent.
“It captures the spirit of sports persons and young sport lovers. The theme song of the games is “Ei prithivi ekhan krirangan, krira hol shantir prangan” sung by legendary late Bhupen Hazarika, a singer whose captivating voice left people spellbound — his song beautifully captures the spirit of South Asian Games, the spirit of peace, friendship and prosperity,” Modi said.
“I am sure that as the Games proceed, this feeling of friendship trust and understanding will convert itself not only into sporting opportunities but also into business and tourism opportunities as well,” he said. (IANS)