Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Open South Asian Games

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will declare the 12th South Asian Games open in Guwahati on Friday. The security has been tightened for the ceremony. (South Asian Games: Security Beefed up as Teams Arrive)

Modi will address the fans at the Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium after a grand opening ceremony. Before that, Commonwealth Games champion Krishna Poonia and former football captain Bhaichung Bhutia will be among a few past and current top sportspersons of the country to run with the torch inside the main stadium.

London Olympics bronze medallist Gagan Narang's name has also been mentioned to be among the seven to eight sportspersons to carry the torch. Former long jumper Anju Bobby George, the country's lone medallist in a track and field World Championships, is the other name said to be among the torch bearers.

But Narang's availability is yet to be confirmed as shooting competitions begin only on February 10. Well-known former Assamese sportspersons Bhogeswar Barua (athletics) and Monalisa Barua (table tennis) are also said to among the select group to run with the torch which has already arrived here after its relay legs in various capitals of Northeastern states.

Dipika Pallikal pulls out of individual event

On the eve of the squash competition in the South Asian Games here, India's leading player Dipika Pallikal has withdrawn from the individual event citing a shoulder injury.

In her message to National Coach Cyrus Poncha, world no.17 Dipika said she developed a "sharp pain" in her shoulder while playing the quarterfinal in the Cleveland Classic held in Ohio on Sunday.

Dipika said the pain had intensified on the day after the match and that it had not subsided.

"She was scheduled to take medical advice in this matter but decided to proceed to Guwahati and play the team event," said SRFI in a statement. The team events start on February 8.