January 30: The 11th South Asian Games, the greatest sports extravaganza of the region, began last night. Inaugurating the event, the Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said that Bangladesh was proud to host the South Asia's biggest sports event.

The opening ceremony began with the march past by 2,000 athletes from eight nations followed by attractive displays.

Bangladesh has largest contingent of 332 athletes including 101 female athletes followed by India with 320 athletes.

According to our correspondent, Tshering Dorji, the ceremony ended with a grand display of fireworks and water fountain dance.

Bhutan was represented by the Chef de Mission, Tshering Namgay.

Bhutan will take part in five disciplines- football, taekwondo, boxing, golf and archery.

Our correspondent says that the athletes are practicing hard and trying to cope with the climate in Dhaka.