COLOMBO: Fifteen years can be a long time in sports. Sri Lanka had to wait that long to host the SAF Games, now rechristened as South Asian Games, for the second time. A grand setting then in 1991 when enthusiasm overflowed, it is a far cry now.

While it is true that the message of the Games has seeped through right to the man on the road, the brighter aspects of it like the banners, huge arches and other decorative pieces seem to have been restricted to the proximity of the international airport. Visitors coming to this Island nation will never miss the essence of what is to unfold on Friday.

Problems aplenty

But then miles away at the Sugathadasa Sports complex and around, the nerve centre of the entire Games, the story is one of nagging loose ends at every turn, starting with accreditation to getting information of the event schedules, let alone connectivity with the various competition areas. It is a story not of lack of politeness or willingness to help but a sense of helplessness because of a perceptible lack of coordination.

There are to be twenty disciplines this time (a record) with participants from eight countries (including Afghanistan) to make the whole programme the biggest multi-sport event in Sri Lanka. How things will fall in place, only the next few days will tell. But then it has to be admitted that what has added to the organisers' burden is the security issue. The tri-series cricket tournament has already felt the effect and the concern is to ensure that the Games proceed smoothly.

Encouraging words

It should be a boost to Sri Lanka's Olympic Committee to hear words of support from Suresh Kalmadi, the Indian Olympic Association President, who told mediamen "he was satisfied with the Government's assurance on the security steps and also the good job done for the conduct of the Games."

As for the Games, despite the Indian challenge in general presenting a touch of youth than experience, the domination factor could remain intact. The local disappointment is that the `stars' will be missed. No top shooters, a development side in hockey, an under-20 football squad... the list goes on. Yet badminton has brought the first cheer. But the way Sri Lanka denied India a complete sweep is also an indication of the possible shape of things to come.

Lankan challenge

It was in '91 that Sri Lanka had come closest to India on the medals tally— 44 gold to India's 64. With athletes like Susanthika Jayasinghe and Damayanthi Darsha, top Asia-level performers, raring to go, the host should be the big draw in athletics.

Indian badminton coach, Ganguly Prasad said after seeing the `unexpected' fight of Pakistan and Sri Lanka, "they have certainly improved." Mr. Kalmadi talked of building bridges of friendship among the SAF nations; the 2006 Games could well begin the bridging of gap between India and the rest on the sports arena.

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