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The Afro-Asian Games will brand Hyderabad as a major sports destination. This mega event will attract sportspersons, dignitaries, heads of State and celebrities, writes ABHIJIT SEN GUPTA
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ONE OF the greatest sport spectacles ever to be conducted in Hyderabad is all ready to get underway. It will be a historic moment indeed when the Afro-Asian Games (AAG) is formally inaugurated at the GMC Balayogi stadium in Gachibowli on October 24. Moreover it will be a fruitful culmination of several months of effort as far as planning and preparation for this mega event is concerned.
The benefits that are likely to come to the host State in terms of related activities such as construction, transportation, tourism and hospitality are manifold but the maximum benefit will probably accrue directly in the field of sports. The hosting of the Afro-Asian Games could turn out to be the launching pad for more international events and the sports administrators in the State are making no secret of their ambitions reach the highest levels of international sport. An indication of Hyderabad's potential as a major sports venue is evident from the fact that the landmark IMG project is all set to come up at Gachibowli and if all goes well, we may have the chance to host some of the international sporting events. Much will depend upon the successful conduct of the Afro-Asian Games.
The first ever AAG has had its ups and downs. First conceived about two decades ago, the games were plagued with postponements and delays till the AP government stepped in to host it late last year. Now, thanks mainly to the zeal and enthusiasm of the Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the grand idea of bringing the two continents of Africa and Asia together for an unique competition in the arena of sports, is about to be realised. During the period of the games from Oct 24 to Nov 1, Hyderabad will be the centre of focus for the international media. With several dignitaries including heads of State, top brass of various international sports bodies, legends of international sport and other celebrities present here, the city will bask in the spotlight. It will also afford a unique opportunity to market Hyderabad as a good place to visit or to do business . It would also be a great opportunity to publicise the centuries-old tradition and culture of Hyderabad and Andhra Pradesh. As far as the actual sports are concerned, there have been some dropouts by some leading players and teams, but there are still some top notchers in the fray. The decision of Cameroon to stay away from the football competitions has robbed the event of some glamour as also the pull out by athletes from Ghana. Some disciplines have been hit harder than others by these developments. Swimming and boxing have not been affected much since swimming is a qualifying event for the Athens Olympics and the best from Asia will be in the fray, while boxing will see medal winners of Asian Games, world championships and Sydney Olympics stepping into the ring.
But it has to be understood that no major sports meet ever gains the recognition and respect from the worldwide sports fraternity till it has established itself as a regular feature over several years. The very first Asian Games held in Delhi in 1951 attracted only 489 participants from 11 countries who took part in six sports disciplines. But on the other hand, the last Asian Games held in Busan in 2002 drew about 10,000 participants from 42 countries. Even the first of the modern Olympic games held in Athens in 1996 brought together only 241 players from 14 countries while the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000 saw the participation of 10,651 sportspersons from 199 nations. So it is apparent that every major sports event gains mass scale participation and recognition only over a long period of time.
International sports fixtures are drawn up several years in advance and it would be too much to expect that all the world's best sportspersons would disrupt their well-laid plans to take part in the games which has been finalised at relatively short notice. So a few dropouts and resulting disappointment was always on the cards. But all said and done the level of competition that is expected to be seen during the AAG is likely to be the best ever witnessed on Hyderabad's soil.
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Cultural extravaganza
THE OPENING ceremony has been planned to depict the culture, history and technological advances made by A.P. and India over the years. Aspects of Asian and African culture will be displayed in a harmonious and cohesive manner. The show will combine creativity and technology through elements of audio-visual and a powerful narrative script. The whole effect will be highlighted and maximised by top-class sound equipment imported from Europe. The ceremony will involve the unfolding of a massive hydraulically operated centre stage set amidst a backdrop depicting the grandeur of India. Former Miss World Priyanka Chopra and other personalities from showbiz such as S.P. Balasubrahmanyam and Sonu Nigam will be involved.
The cultural events will feature a show by Thangta dancers from the North East, Kalaripayattu experts from Kerala, Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam and other dances from various parts of the country. About 11,500 students and 2,500 folk artistes will showcase the traditions of the two continents. Other programmes include para-diving by experts of the Indian Air Force, a 300-member marching band drawn from various arms of the defence services, interactive demo kits for the audience to participate in the proceedings and even excerpts from speeches of Indian leaders during the freedom struggle and afterwards. A laser show designed to depict the heritage and traditions of Andhra Pradesh will enhance the visual aspects of the ceremony. But perhaps the most salient feature of the entire show will be the theme - two continents, one spirit.
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