DHAKA: The 11th edition of the South Asian Games came to a grand closure here on Tuesday evening amid fanfare and dazzling firework which illuminated the Bangladesh capital.
A crowd of around 20,000 were held spellbound by the brilliant display of laser-beam show and colourful firework which brought the curtains down on the 12-day regional sporting gala dominated by the Indian athletes.
The two-and-half hour showpiece closing ceremony highlighted the Bangladesh culture and its heritage and was a thrilling experience for the spectators around.
Bangladesh President Zillur Rahman was the chief guest at the closing ceremony in which Chief of Army Staff General and President of Bangladesh Olympic Association Abdul Mubeen declared the Games closed.
The flag of South Asian Sports Council was handed over to chief of the Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi because India will be hosting the next edition of the SAG in either 2013 or 2014. Flag of SOSC was then lowered and Olympic torch was extinguished.
India, which is considered the regional sports super power, maintained their domination by winning 90 gold, 55 silver and 29 bronze medals. Pakistan finished second with 19-25-36 while hosts Bangladesh secured third spot with 18-23-56.
Pakistan’s greatest achievement in the Games was the 100 metres gold which was clinched by the hugely talented Naseem Hameed in the 8-nation contest.
Pakistan’s best show was clearly in athletics where Naseem, Basharat Ali, Zafar Iqbal, Mohsin Ali all won gold medals in addition to two silver and four bronze.
Pakistan also did well in hockey, squash, boxing, handball, judo, wushu, karate, squash, hockey, wrestling and weightlifting, winning gold medals in all these disciplines.
However, ordinary performances were displayed in basketball, football, golf, cricket, and swimming.
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