By NNN-BSS
Dhaka : Chief Adviser to Bangladesh caretaker government Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed said the “India-Bangladesh Games” launched here Friday would greatly help further strengthen the friendship between the two countries..
“The Games will add a new chapter in the sports arena for the participants of both the countries to achieve more skills in different events, upholding the theme `Sports for friendship’, he said while inaugurating the colourful 2nd India- Bangladesh Games-2008 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium here.
President of Bangladesh Olympic Association and Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed and President of Bengal Olympic Association (India) Paresh Nath Mukherjee also spoke on the occasion. Asian Olympic Council Secretary Raja Randhir Singh, among others, was present.
Advisers, Special Assistants to the Chief Adviser, diplomats, high civil and military officials were also present on the occasion.
As many as 500 athletes of Bangladesh and West Bengal state of India are participating in nine events of this international sports competition to be played in different venues of the country till February 27.
Bangabandhu National Stadium Friday evening wore a festive look with claps and applause from the jam-packed spectators as well as bursting of fireworks after the Games was formally declared open.
Spectators in gallery repeatedly clapped when Bangladesh Army paratroopers from the sky descend on the stadium ground carrying national flags of the two countries.
Thousands of multi-coloured balloons were released to the air while the sportsmen and women of both the countries took oath and joined their respective march pasts, followed by dances and songs performed by the Bangladeshi artistes.