Kathmandu, December 11: The 13th South Asian Games has concluded amidst a glittering ceremony at the Dashrath Stadium yesterday evening. In a video message to the closing ceremony, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said that the SAG, mini-Olympic for south Asian countries, has been very successful in enhancing friendship and goodwill among the people in the region.
He also thanked all those who contributed to the success of the regional event and congratulated the Nepali athletes for the laurels they won during the games. The Prime Minister also expressed the confidence that the 13th SAG would contribute to making the Visit Nepal Year 2020 successful.
Addressing the closing ceremony as chief guest, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Ishwar Pokharel said that the SAG has further harmonized the regional unity and friendship among the member states. He further said that the mega sports event also further recognized Nepal’s glory in the international arena.
On behalf of the Government of Nepal, he thanked all stakeholders for successfully completing the 13th South Asian Games. On the occasion Minister for Youth and Sports, chairman of main organizing committee Jagat Bahadur Bishwakarma and member secretary at the National Sports Council, Ramesh Silwal also thanked all the athletes and those involved in the organizing of the regional mega sports event.
Nepal became second in the medals tally of the 13th SAG following India. In the event, Nepal bagged a total of 206 medals including 51 gold, 60 silver, and 95 bronze medals. India stood first with 312 medals including 174 gold, 93 silver, and 45 bronze medals. Sri Lanka came third with 40 gold, 83 silver, and 128 bronze medals, Pakistan came fourth with 31 gold, 41 silver, and 59 bronze medals while Bangladesh finished in the fifth position with 19 gold, 32 silver, and 87 bronze medal.
The Maldives won one gold and four bronze medals while Bhutan managed only 7 silver and 13 bronze medals. The 13th SAG was held from December 1 to 10, 2019 featuring 27 games played in the capital Kathmandu, Pokhara and Janakpur. Kathmandu had hosted the first South Asian Games in 1984.
