Known as an idyllic tourist destination, Shillong turned a new leaf in its sporting history when the Meghalaya leg of the 12th South Asian Games was launched in a glittering opening ceremony here this evening.
Hosting eight of the 23 disciplines in the eight-nation South Asian Games, the 'Scotland of the East' showcased its cultural and natural beauty in the two-hour ceremony, officially opened by Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma.
"It's a really proud moment for all of us to declare the 12th South Asian Games Open," Sangma said officially declaring the Shillong-leg open in presence of hundreds of athletes from eight nations.
This is the first time a multi-discipline event of international magnitude is being held in Shillong. Neighbouring states Manipur (1999) and Assam (2007) had earlier hosted the National Games.
World no 11 PV Sindhu, who recently won her second Malaysia Masters GP, was the flagbearer of the Indian contingent which got the maximum applause from about a crowd of eight thousand. The 85-member Pakistani contingent was given a standing ovation by the crowd.
The two-hour ceremony began with the ushering in of the chief guest - Sangma - as Khasi traditional drumbeats and Tangmuri (double-reed conical-bore wind-instrument) was played in the background.
As the dignitaries, which also included the chairman of the South Asian Games organising committee and union sports minister Sarbananda Sonowal were seated, the ceremony began officially with the National Anthem.
Earlier Sonowal, in his address, said the South Asian Games would signify the historical link between the great cities of northeast India.
"It's a matter of great sanctification biggest sporting extravaganza is being held in the northeast. It will boost the cooperation, harmony among the sporting nations."
Indian actor and television host Meiyang Chang and Venetia Warshong also enthralled the crowd in two separate performances, which was followed by a dance performance by Meghalaya's eight tribes.
The traditional performances of the state, known as 'abode of clouds', took centrestage before they showcased the cleanest village in Asia - Mawlynnong - in another special segment.
The village had found a mention in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monthly radio talk 'Maan Ki Baat'.
But the best was stored for the last when the performances by Shillong Chamber Choir, who shot to fame after it won a reality talent show in 2010, mesmerised the crowd with their rendition of a medley of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo songs along with some Bollywood numbers.
A spectacular fireworks lit up the sky to conclude the opening ceremony.
