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The ceremonial welcome was followed by the<br />
highly enthusiastic athletic parade, which was<br />
followed by the address of the Hon’ble Prime<br />
Minister who highlighted the importance of<br />
sportsmanship and declared the Games open.<br />
After the declaration of the Games as open<br />
by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the official<br />
torch of the Games was carried to the stadium<br />
by leading athletes Gagan Narang, Monalisa<br />
Baruah, Bhugeswar Baruah, Rani Rampal,<br />
Krishna Punia, Anju Bobby George and finally<br />
passed on to legendary Bhaichung Bhutia who<br />
lit the flame of the cauldron sending the 35,000<br />
spectators present in the stadium, into a frenzy.<br />
The ceremony brought alive the concept of<br />
South Asian Unity through waters carried to<br />
Host City from the rivers of all South Asian<br />
Nations getting merged and immersed into the<br />
Brahmaputra as an ode to friendship and<br />
brotherhood. The merged river of “South<br />
Asian Games” unfolded itself digitally on<br />
the stadium for a spellbound audience to<br />
admire. The colourful performances during the<br />
Opening Ceremony brought alive the the varied<br />
and colourful tradition as well as culture of the<br />
region through high energy dance and musical<br />
performances. The spectacular show featuring<br />
incredible lighting and fireworks also featured<br />
breathtaking performances by Mayukh Hazarika<br />
who rendered the official theme song of the Games<br />
“Ei Prithbi Ek Krirangon” and other eminent<br />
artists from the North East included Zube en Garg,<br />
Papon, Nahid Afrin and the Shillong Chamber<br />
Choir, thereby, making it an evening to remember<br />
for one and all present in the stadium.<br />
To start the Shillong leg of the Games, an equally<br />
exciting and colourful Launch Ceremony was<br />
held at Shillong on 6th February 2016 at the<br />
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, which created a<br />
festive and celebrative mood all over the state.<br />
This was the first biggest multi-sporting event<br />
to be held at Shillong that brought about cheer,<br />
joy and celebrations throughout the town. The<br />
Launch Ceremony heralding the Games was a<br />
colourful display of the impressive traditions<br />
of the North East, besides showcasing various<br />
tribes and their dances attracting a stadium full of<br />
cheering crowds. The glittering<br />
ceremonies in Guwahati &<br />
Shillong were the stepping<br />
stone towards the success<br />
of the 12th South Asian<br />
Games.<br />
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