Saf Games is an international multi-sport event that is held among athletes from Asian countries. The event takes place every four years and is organized by the South Asian Olympic Council (SAOC). The first Saf Games was held in 1984, and since then, it has become a significant event in the Asian sports calendar.
History of Saf Games
The idea for Saf Games was first proposed in the 1970s by the then-president of the Olympic Council of Sri Lanka, Hemasiri Fernando. The aim was to create a sports festival that would bring together athletes from the South Asian region to promote goodwill and understanding among nations.
The first Saf Games was held in Kathmandu, Nepal, in 1984, with athletes from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives participating. The games were a huge success, with over 400 athletes competing in nine sports. Since then, the event has been held every four years, with the exception of the 1993 games, which were canceled due to political unrest in the region.
Participating Countries
The Saf Games is open to athletes from the eight South Asian countries recognized by the SAOC, which are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. These countries compete in a range of sports, including athletics, swimming, boxing, football, and volleyball.
Impact of Saf Games
The Saf Games has had a significant impact on Asian sports, with many athletes using the event as a stepping stone to international success. The event has also helped to foster greater understanding and cooperation among nations in the region.
Furthermore, the Saf Games has helped to raise the profile of lesser-known sports in the region, such as kabaddi and sepak takraw. These sports have now gained a following in many countries, with professional leagues and tournaments being organized to promote their growth.
Recent Saf Games
The most recent Saf Games were held in Kathmandu and Pokhara, Nepal, in 2019, with over 5,000 athletes competing in 26 sports. India emerged as the overall winners, with a total of 312 medals, including 174 golds.
The next Saf Games are scheduled to be held in Lahore, Pakistan, in 2022. The organizers have promised to make it a memorable event, with plans to include new sports and cultural events.
Conclusion
The Saf Games is a significant event in the Asian sports calendar, promoting goodwill and understanding among nations in the region. The event has helped to raise the profile of many sports and has provided a platform for athletes to showcase their talents. With the next Saf Games just around the corner, fans of Asian sports are eagerly looking forward to the exciting sporting action that is sure to come.
