South Asian Federation (SAF) Games
South Asian Federation (SAF) Games
The South Asian Federation Games (SAF Games) is a sport festival of Asian countries. The South Asian Sports Federation comprising India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives was formed in New Delhi on November 26, 1982.The governing body of these games is South Asia Olympic Council, formed in 1983.
★ Flag and Motto of the SAF Games :The SAF Games flag includes a dove, suggesting the desire for peace in the area. The motto of the SAF Games is 'Peace, Propersity and Progress'.
★ New Name for SAF Games :The SAF Games have been rechristened as South Asian Games, according to a decision taken by the South Asian Sports Federation at its 32nd meeting held in Islamabad (Pakistan) on April 2, 2004.
» The first SAF Games were held in Kathmandu in 1984 followed by Dhaka (1985), Kolkata (1987), Islamabad (1989), Colombo (1991), Dhaka (1993) and Chennai (1995).
» The Eighth SAF Games (September– 25, October 4, 1999) were held in Kathmandu.
» As hitherto, India notched tine top position winning 197 medals including 102 Gold. Nepal with 65 medals including 31 Gold’s and Sri Lanka 119 medals (16 Golds) finished on the second and third place respectively.
» The 10th South Asian Federation Games (18-28 August, 2006) were held in Sri Lanka and India retained the crown, with 118 Gold, 69 Silver and 47 Bronze. Pakistan (43 - 44 - 71) and hosts Sri Lanka (37-63-78) came on the second and third positions respectively in the medals tally.
XIII South Asian Games ( 2019 South Asian Games )
The 2019 South Asian Games, officially the XIII South Asian Games, was a major multi-sport event which was originally slated to be held from 9 to 18 March 2019 in Kathmandu and Pokhara, Nepal.
Host city : Kathmandu, Pokhara & Janakpur
Nations Participating : 7
Athletes participating : 2715
Events : 317 in 26 sports
Opening ceremony : 1 December
Closing ceremony : 10 December
Officially opened by : Bidhya Devi Bhandari ( President of Nepal )
Athlete's Oath : Paras Khadka (cricket)
Judge's Oath : Deepak Thapa (badminton)
Torch lighter : Deepak Bista
List of South Asian Games
| Edition | Year | Hosted City & Nation | Nations | Sport | Events |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1984 | Kathmandu ( Nepal ) | 7 | 5 | 62 |
| 2 | 1985 | Dhaka ( Bangladesh ) | 7 | 7 | 94 |
| 3 | 1987 | Calcutta ( India ) | 7 | 10 | 116 |
| 4 | 1989 | Islamabad ( Pakistan ) | 7 | 10 | 114 |
| 5 | 1991 | Colombo ( Sri Lanka ) | 7 | 10 | 142 |
| 6 | 1993 | Dhaka ( Bangladesh ) | 7 | 11 | 115 |
| 7 | 1995 | Madras ( India ) | 7 | 14 | 143 |
| 8 | 1999 | Kathmandu ( Nepal ) | 7 | 12 | 163 |
| 9 | 2004 | Islamabad ( Pakistan ) | 8 | 15 | 170 |
| 10 | 2006 | Colombo ( Sri Lanka ) | 8 | 20 | 197 |
| 11 | 2010 | Dhaka ( Bangladesh ) | 8 | 23 | 158 |
| 12 | 2016 | Guwahati/Shillong ( India ) | 8 | 22 | 226 |
| 13 | 2019 | Kathmandu/Pokhara/Janakpur ( Nepal ) | 7 | 26 | 317 |
| 14 | 2023 | Lahore ( Pakistan ) |