GUWAHATI, Feb 2 - The teams and officials of the participating nations have started reaching Guwahati and Shillong for the 12th South Asian Games, scheduled to be held from February 5 to 16.
The first batch of the Pakistani contingent is scheduled to reach Guwahati tomorrow. A section of Nepal�s swimming team arrived today while their cycling team reached yesterday.
People�s interest on the Pakistani contingent will be primarily on its hockey team which will face off India on February 8 at the Moullana Md Tayebullah Hockey Stadium at Bhetapara here.
The Pakistani contingent would also feature the country�s top women tennis star Sara Mansoor and Sarah Mehboob Khan, informed a SAG Organising Committee source.
Meanwhile, the Indian football and the triathlon teams started their work out sessions here from Monday.
The 12th South Asian Games, is the first international multi-sporting mega event in the Northeastern region where athletes from eight countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be participating. Around 4500 athletes and sports officials will be seen in action in 23 events.
The Indian basketball team, in both men and women categories, has confirmed its participation. The 32-member strong contingent features Indian regulars, including star player Talvinder, in both the men and women categories.
Meanwhile all the venues, except the Nehru Stadium football ground are all set to host the events. Shillong will host Archery, Badminton, Boxing, Football (women), Judo, Table Tennis and Taekwondo.
The Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Sarusajai here will be the main venue of the Games where apart from other events, opening and closing ceremony will take place.