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Huge Indian contingent for SAF Games

A 282-member Indian contingent will participate in the eight South Asian Federation Games to be held in Kathmandu from September 25 to October 4.

India participate in 12 disciplines. Athletics has the largest squad (72), followed by shooting (29) and swimming (27). In addition to these teams, India will also be represented by a 28-member volleyball team and 23-member football team.

The contingent will leave for Kathmandu in four batches from Thursday.

India have entered in the following disciplines: athletics, boxing, football, kabaddi, karate-do, shooting, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, weightlifting and wrestling.

Swimming Federation of India president K N Kapur will be the chef-de-mission. A 13-member medical team will accompany the contingent.

For the first time, dope tests will be conducted at the SAF Games. All medal winners will be subjected to the tests.

Veteran P T Usha, Bangkok Asiad medal winners Rosa Kutty, Sunita Rani and K M Beenamol are some of the leading names in the women's athletics squad, while Bahadur Singh (shot put), Jata Shankar and Lijo David will be part of the men's squad.

The women's athletics team will contest 24 events, with Usha running in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay, while Rosa Kutty will take part in the 400m, 800m and 4x400m relay and Sunita Rani, in 1500m, 5000m and 10,000m.

The men's squad will take part in 38 events.

India's boxing challenge will be led by Bangkok Asiad gold medallist Dingko Singh (51 kg), while Jaspal Rana will lead the challenge in shooting.

Nisha Millet and Sebastian Xavier will lead the challenge in the women's and men's swimming respectively.

Joining the respective teams will be a 110-member squad of officials.

The opening ceremony will be held at the Dashrath Stadium on Sunday from 1600hrs to 1900hrs. Competition will start from September 26.

UNI