India looking to maintain supremacy in SAF Games

COLOMBO: India’s sporting supremacy over its South Asian neighbours is all set to continue as the tenth SAF Games formally begins in Colombo from Friday amidst heightened security following the August 14 blast. Having picked up the lion’s share of gold medals in the previous nine editions of the meet, the Indians have entered in a big way in the 11-day sports extravaganza which comes to an end on August 28.

Over 2500 athletes from eight countries would take part in 20 disciplines — the maximum so far — at different venues in Colombo, which is organising the Games for the second time. The Sri Lankan capital had earlier played host in 1991. The Indian contingent, a blend of experience and youth, reflects the country’s twin aim of maintaining its golden glory in the Games besides providing the much-needed international exposure to the greenhorns ahead of bigger event. In events like hockey and football, India have chosen budding talents to represent the nation with the established stars busy in tougher assignments or gearing up for higher level tourneys.

The hockey frontrankers are preparing for the world cup to be played in Germany next month, while the nation’s noted footballers are busy with the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. In contrast, table tennis, archery and boxing squads comprise the country’s best players.

A look back reveals that ever since the inaugural edition in 1984 at Kathmandu, India have always found the Games a happy hunting ground as far as gold medals are concerned.