The Hindu : Sport : The 10-day extravaganza comes to an end

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Monday, Feb 19, 2007
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The 10-day extravaganza comes to an end

S. Sabanayakan

Richa, Poncha adjudged the best athletes

— Photo: R. Ragu

WELL DONE: The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, congratulates Rehan Poncha, watched by IOA President, Suresh Kalmadi.

GUWAHATI: The 33rd National Games, which captivated the entire population of this North-Eastern State's capital, came to an end after a grand ceremony at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here on Sunday.

The 10-day sporting extravaganza that enthralled one and all with its sleek organisation, efficient management and record-breaking performances was declared closed by the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh.

The 11,000-odd athletes, officials and others who made the Games a grand success bid goodbye with a promise that they would meet again at Jharkhand. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) flag was then handed over to the Jharkhand Chief Minister, who is also the President of the Olympic Association of the State, by the Prime Minister after the flag was ceremoniously lowered and carried to the VIP area.

To mark the end of the Games the flame, which was lit exactly 10 days ago at the same venue, was extinguished after the athletes entered the stadium amid thunderous applause from the packed gathering.

Cultural programme

Earlier, Dr. Manmohan Singh and other dignitaries on the dais including the Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi, Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd) Ajay Singh, IOA President Suresh Kalmadi, Secretary-General Randhir Singh, Steel Minister Santosh Mohan Deb and Mr. Koda, were treated to an attractive cultural programme by the troupes of the eight North-Eastern States.

The Prime Minister, in his address, said, "playing the game and playing well is what sport is all about.'' He called upon all sportspersons to roll up their sleeves, tighten their belts and get prepared for the 2010 Commonwealth Games to be held in New Delhi. "Our National flag must fly high and our torch must burn bright at those Games. At the world stage we still have a lot to achieve if we have to do our nation proud,'' he said.

Dr. Singh wanted the corporate sector to get actively involved in supporting sport. "Our corporate sector must look beyond a few popular games like cricket and support new disciplines where domestic talent is blossoming. Corporate participation also needs to be extended to the creation of infrastructure for excellence in sports. I know that the task is challenging but not impossible,'' he said.

Mr. Gogoi said the Games attracted largest number of participants, hosted highest number of disciplines and provided international standard infrastructure. "What gives us immense satisfaction is that all those involved with the Games including the IOA were satisfied,'' he said.

Best ever

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kalmadi said, "the 33rd National Games was the best and finest held ever.'' He praised the crowd calling it the best ever seen in any Games. The IOA President said out of 33 States and units of the IOA, 30 including the seven North-Eastern States won medals. Dr. Singh gave away the championship trophy to Services, overall champion with 59 gold, 46 silver and 37 bronze medals. Manipur was awarded the IOA's special trophy by Mr. Kalmadi for emerging the best among States with 51 gold, 32 silver and 40 bronze medals. Swimmers Richa Mishra and Rehan Poncha were adjudged the best female and male athletes of the Games.

As the Prime Minister and other dignitaries left the venue the athletes trooped out to allow the cultural function to begin.

A cross section of singers and artists from the Asom film industry and Bollywood entertained the full house.

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