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Curtain rung down on the Games

By Abhijit Sen Gupta

SO LONG, FAREWELL: Some of the participants wave to the crowd at the Closing Ceremony of the 32nd National Games in Hyderabad on Sunday. — Photo: P.V. Sivakumar

HYDERABAD DEC. 22. The curtain was rung down on Andhra Pradesh's biggest spectacle in a over a decade — the 32nd National Games, with pomp and splendour at the G.M.C. Balayogi Stadium here on Sunday. Unlike the Opening Ceremony, the finale had an air of informality about it. The proceedings began with all the participating teams entering the stadium.

Later Karnataka swimmer Rehan Poncha and Andhra Pradesh swimmer Richa Mishra were declared the `Best Sportsman' and `Best Sportswoman' of the Games respectively. The glittering Raja Bhalindra Singh Trophy was awarded to Andhra Pradesh which topped the medals tally.

The programme, which was planned to be a fitting finale, was gone through with great precision. At the end of it all what was left in memory were the ten days of thrills, spills, record-breaking feats and displays of courage and skill by the outstanding sportspersons who took part in the Games. The games showcased tough competition between leading players and teams of India and provided a feast for sportslovers.

The dignitaries who graced the occasion included, apart from the Prime Minister Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, the Governor of the State, Dr. C. Rangarajan, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu, Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, President of the Indian Olympic Association, Mr. Randhir Singh, General Secretary of the IOA, Mr. H.J. Dora, President of the Andhra Pradesh Olympic Association and several other central and State ministers.

Mr. Kalmadi later declared the National Games formally closed. The IOA flag was also ceremonially lowered and presented to Mr. Gogoi, Chief Minister of Assam which will host the next edition of the Games in 2005.

The entertainment was provided by film star Aishwarya Rai along with Sivaji Raja, Srikanth, Sunil Kumar, Soundarya, Laya and others. A laser show and fireworks display was also staged and schoolchildren went through a colourful drill display. The fact that sports fosters friendship was evident in the way the players from different states mingled freely during the march past.

For the home State the Games ended in a blaze of glory as it topped the medal tally. It was indeed a proud moment for the sportspersons of the State.

The host had reason to be satisfied with the gains that have been made both in material as well as intangible terms during the period of the Games. Its players gave the State reason to feel proud by putting up its best ever performance in any National Games, thus making it an occasion which will be cherished for a long time.

A lot of preparation and planning went into the conduct of the Games. However not everything went smoothly and in several areas there was plenty of scope for improvement. But considering that a sports meet of this magnitude was being held, a few slip ups were to be expected.

But what was really heartening for the home state was the display of its sportspersons. They fulfilled everyone's expectations. It was not only those who were brought in from other States who fetched medals but even genuine Andhra Pradesh born and bred players excelled themselves.

They deserve praise for their determination and committment under pressure. To give a further boost to the State's sports standards, the government is seriously considering the idea of bringing in foreign coaches to train the players of various disciplines.

Some of the feats which were witnessed at the Hyderabad National Games will linger for a long time in the minds of all sports-lovers. To name just a few, the performances of the AP volleyball team, the host's clean sweep of all golds in badminton, Gulab Chand's triple gold in athetics, Richa Mishra's huge gold haul in the swimming pool, Punjab cyclist Kulbir Singh's records at the velodrome and others deeds will not easily be forgotten.

They all provided a feast for sports fans and have left behind a hope and anticipation that in the years to come, the city of Hyderabad with all its superb sports infrastructure, will become a major sports venue and sports-lovers will be able to witness more sporting events and more such record breaking feats in the future.

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