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'Sheru' is mascot for Afro-Asian Games

'Sheru', a sportive lion in jersey and boots, will be the official mascot of the inaugural Afro-Asian Games, to be held in New Delhi in November next year.

Sportspersons from 96 countries are expected to take part in the Games, which should witness some of the best talent in the world in six disciplines like athletics, boxing, football, swimming, shooting and tennis.

India Gate, the best identified landmark in the national capital, will be the official logo.

''The Games will put sports in focus in Asia and Africa,'' Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) secretary-general Randhir Singh said at a press conference here today.

The decision to hold the first Afro-Asian Games in New Delhi was taken at a meeting of the OCA and the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa in Seville, Spain, last year.

Athletics and football will be held at the 75,000-capacity Jawaharlal Nehru stadium; tennis at the R K Khanna stadium; swimming at the Talkatora pool; boxing at the Indira Gandhi indoor stadium and shooting at the Dr Karni Singh stadium.

This is the first time since the 1982 Asiad that Delhi will be hosting a mega sports event.

UNI