The SAG Opening Ceremony impresses Gill

Impressed with the way Bangladesh conducted the opening ceremony of the South Asian Games today, Sports Minister M S Gill today said India could learn a few things from it for the ensuing Commonwealth Games back home.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today declared open the Games, which Gill termed as South Asia's "Olympics".

Thousands of school students and Army men participated in the gala ceremony which glimpsed the culture and heritage of the national

"It's not easy task to bring more than 10,000 school children, youth to put up such a show. There is something we can learn from this ahead of the opening of the Commonwealth Games on October 3," Gill, who was part of the dignitaries, said after the ceremony.

Bangladesh proved its ability to organise such a big sporting event
in such a massive way. It also gave me an idea how the opening ceremony is held," he added.

Gill also called for expansion of sporting relations between India and Bangladesh.

"I am very happy to be here. It's South Asia's Olympics. The competition is held among eight neighbouring countries in a very friendly manner.

"In terms of bilateral relationship in sport, there is much we can do together. We have an extensive coaching system in place with SAI centres in Kolkata, Patiala and other places.

"We have sport college and academies and can expand sporting relations," he said.