SAF Games challenges
By Sushil Thapa
(April 2004)

After a string of postponements the 9th South Asian Federation Games (SAFG) finally unfolds in Pakistan on March 29th. Since the games, the biggest sporting spectacle in the region was pushed into oblivion because of uncertainties its existence has looked very shaky. Hopefully, this time we do not witness another last minute postponement or fall out. The lackadaisical manner in which the games has been conducted so far has reduced it to a farce, as a matter of fact. The regional meet has lost much of its gloss as well as significance, resulting in decline of its popularity considerably. 

Clearly there is lack of seriousness and commitment on the part of participating nations to enhance the regional games badly struggling to make an impact. So preoccupied are nations with their respective domestic issues that they have hardly enough time to pay heed and nurture the games as required and desired. As a result very little has the region benefited from SAFG in terms of development, economy and politics. Instead we are seeing sports standards plunge to an all time low, smaller nations unable or struggle to host the games and countries locked in sharp political differences. 

Speaking strictly of sports we are awfully lagging behind in competitive sports be it amateur or professional. More disturbing is the fact that there are no positive indications at such that sports development is moving towards the right direction at the moment. It would be appropriate to say that SAFG is literally limping sans a definitive objective. 

Unless sports is made a national priority and embraced with a serious mind set, deep rooted commitment and reasonable goals by respective governments it is hard to imagine sports prosper or take root in the region.  Countries like Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan and Nepal with very limited or no physical facilities are desperately in need of help to build their sports system. Thanks largely to sports oriented government officials there exists international standards facilities in India and to some extent in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.      

Leave alone other nations in South Asia a heavyweight like India with a long sports tradition, enjoying a    robust sports infrastructure has failed to make inroads in sports globally.  Instead it continues to badly struggle and finds itself like a lost entity in world sports.  In all fairness I have to say that the success of SAFG largely depends on India's view and support which is questionable unfortunately. Past experiences points that India has placed less emphasis on the games for the simple reason that SAFG has no competition for its athletes who have dominated every edition. Should India continue to think in the same line a big question mark is bound to hang over the future of SAFG. Let us hope, that does not occur and India plays a more positive and productive role to bolster the games to new heights. More importantly, a collective effort is required to accomplish the mission. Accommodating some of the break away former Soviet Union states in SAFG can be a smart move.  Such a move can   give both thrust and respectability to the games. In addition, it also raises the bar for competition, thus making it more competitive and qualitative. It takes a whole lot of effort and endeavor than just merely building infrastructures and organizing events like the Asian Games or SAFG to produce world class athletes. Above all we must develop a conducive environment and sports culture in order to groom our athletes with any impediments. 

In retrospect every edition of the SAFG has been a one horse race affair with India the dominant force in terms of performances and medals. Barring a few disciplines it has been a cake walk for Indian athletes who have steam rolled rivals with ease. The ninth edition should be no exception and they are most likely to consolidate their stranglehold on the competition further.  Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh might spring a few surprises in events like boxing, athletics, wrestling, shooting and swimming but once again India stands on the threshold of ending up with the lion's share of medals.

Nepal's participation came as a huge relief to all because of uncertainties that had been brought in by the ongoing feud between the National Sports Council and National Olympic Committee led by Rukum SJB Rana. A last minute temporary truce worked out between the squabbling parties finally assured Nepal's participation. We cannot expect great results from our under prepared athletes who are bound to deliver their best. A handful of medals is the most we can look forward to. High hopes are pinned on our martial artists who are expected to come out with gold winning performances. Our young booters face yet another challenge to reinstate our lost glory.

To conclude it is imperative that we all work for the enhancement of SAFG if we want to make it more meaningful and purposeful.        

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