TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 5Th-16Th February, Guwahati & Shillong PLAY for PEACE, PROGRESS & PROSPERITY 5Th-16Th FEBRUARY, GUWAHATI & SHILLONG INDIA

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ATHLETICS TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 5th-16th February, Guwahati & Shillong PLAY FOR PEACE, PROGRESS & PROSPERITY 5th-16th FEBRUARY, GUWAHATI & SHILLONG INDIA

PLAY FOR PEACE, PROGRESS & PROSPERITY

ATHLETICS 2 Welcome Message

ndia is once again proudly hosting the South Asian IGames in the cities of Guwahati and Shillong. The Organising Committee of the 12th South Asian Games (OC-SAG) takes immense pleasure in presenting this Technical Handbook to you. Through this Handbook, we reserve to express our utmost gratitude to the South Asia Olympic Council (SAOC), the participating nations and the International Sports Federations (IF’s) for their close co-operation and support. Since, India promised its regional partners to deliver a remarkable multi- sporting festival in the stadia across Guwahati and Shillong, the OC-SAG has set the following objectives for itself to make the Games a memorable sporting extravaganza: 1. To deliver the best ever South Asian Games and leave behind an impressionable experience for everyone 2. To standardise every Games event and provide the best facilities to the participating athletes from the region at the highest level 3. To conduct the competitions with strict adherence to the Rules and Regulations of SAOC, Asian Federations (AF’s) and IF’s 4. To provide best hospitality services to all our guests and make the 12th South Asian Games 2016 not only successful but an equally memorable event We are confident that all the athletes, Games officials and new visitors to our country will take away fond memories, new friendships and wonderful experiences of their time in Guwahati and Shillong.

N. Ramachandran President- Indian Olympic Association (IOA) & Co-chairman OC-SAG

ATHLETICS 3 ATHLETICS 4 Message from Indian Olympic Association

he South Asian Games (SAG) are being held in India for the third time. TIt is the first time an international event of this magnitude has come to the North East of India. Guwahati and Shillong shall be the host cities for the Games. The Games were previously hosted by Calcutta and Madras in 1987 and 1995 respectively. In this twelth edition of the international multi-sport extravaganza, we are expecting more than 4000 athletes from eight participating countries who will compete across 23 sporting disciplines. A great deal of planning is being undertaken by a body of experienced and dedicated workforce comprising members of the Organising Committee, Indian Olympic Association, the National Sports Federations, the Government of India and also the state governments of Assam and Meghalaya to ensure that the 12th South Asian Games 2016 are organised with due earnest and delivered successfully. I am fully confident that the athletes, official, spectators and media will avail the best of services to enjoy this historic sporting spectacle. I wish all the best to each of the participating athletes. Be modest in your victory and gracious in defeat, and above all, enjoy the Games.

Rajeev Mehta Secretary General- IOA & Co-convener OC-SAG

ATHLETICS 5 ATHLETICS 6 Contents

Competition Schedule 8

SAOC Member Countries 10

Stakeholders 12 I. Indian Olympic Association (IOA) 12 II. Govt. of India 13 III. State Govt. of Assam 13 IV. State Govt. of Meghalaya 13 V. Organising Committee 14

Competition Information 15

About India 26 I. Map of India 26 II. General Information 27 III. Visiting North East India 28 IV. Map of Guwahati 31 V. Map of Shillong 31

ATHLETICS 7 COMPETITION SCHEDULE

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Sr. CITY Sport Venue 5th Feb 6th Feb 7th Feb 8th Feb 9th Feb 10th Feb 11th Feb 12th Feb 13th Feb 14th Feb 15th Feb 16th Feb No. Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Opening & Closing Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium, Sarusajai Sports Complex 1 • • Ceremonies 2 Athletics Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium, Sarusajai Sports Complex • • • • 3 Badminton DTRP Indoor Stadium, R.G. Baruah Sports Complex, Ulubari • • • • • 4 Basketball Nabin Ch. Bordoloi AC Indoor Stadium, Sarusajai • • • • • • 5 Cycling NH-37 • • • • Football (M) Nehru Stadium, R.G. Baruah Sports Complex and 6 • • • • • • • • • • • Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium, Sarusajai Sports Complex 7 Handball LNIPE, Tepesia, Sonapur • • • • • 8 Hockey Moullana MD. Tayabullah Hockey Stadium, Bhetapara • • • • • • • • 9 Kabaddi Bhogeshwari Phukanani Indoor Stadium, Dispur • • • • •

10 GUWAHATI Kho Kho LNIPE Indoor Stadium, Tepesia, Sonapur • • • • 11 Shooting Shooting Range, Kahilipara • • • • • • 12 Squash R. G. Baruah Sports Complex, Ulubari • • • • • 13 Swimming Dr. Zakir Hussain Aquatic Complex,Sarusajai Sports Complex • • • • • 14 Tennis All Assam Tennis Association, Chachal, VIP Road • • • • • 15 Triathlon Dr. Zakir Hussain Aquatic Complex, Sarusajai Sports Complex • • 16 Volleyball Nabin Ch. Bordoloi Indoor Stadium, Sarusajai Sports Complex • • • • • 17 Weightlifting Bhogeshwari Phukanani Indoor Stadium, Dispur • • • • 18 Wrestling DTRP Indoor Stadium, R.G. Baruah Sports Complex, Ulubari • • •

Opening and Closing Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex 1 • Ceremony 2 Archery Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex Polo Ground, Shillong • • • • • 3 Boxing SAI-SAG Centre, NEHU Campus, Multipurpose Hall • • • • 4 Football (W) Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex • • • • • • • • • • 5 Judo Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex, Indoor Hall • • •

6 SHILLONG Table Tennis Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex, Indoor Hall • • • • 7 Taekwondo NEIGHRIHMS Indoor Stadium • • • 8 Wushu SAI-SAG Centre, NEHU Campus, Multipurpose Hall • • • The above schedule and venues may be changed subject to unavoidable circumstances

ATHLETICS 8 Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Sr. CITY Sport Venue 5th Feb 6th Feb 7th Feb 8th Feb 9th Feb 10th Feb 11th Feb 12th Feb 13th Feb 14th Feb 15th Feb 16th Feb No. Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Opening & Closing Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium, Sarusajai Sports Complex 1 • • Ceremonies 2 Athletics Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium, Sarusajai Sports Complex • • • • 3 Badminton DTRP Indoor Stadium, R.G. Baruah Sports Complex, Ulubari • • • • • 4 Basketball Nabin Ch. Bordoloi AC Indoor Stadium, Sarusajai • • • • • • 5 Cycling NH-37 • • • • Football (M) Nehru Stadium, R.G. Baruah Sports Complex and 6 • • • • • • • • • • • Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium, Sarusajai Sports Complex 7 Handball LNIPE, Tepesia, Sonapur • • • • • 8 Hockey Moullana MD. Tayabullah Hockey Stadium, Bhetapara • • • • • • • • 9 Kabaddi Bhogeshwari Phukanani Indoor Stadium, Dispur • • • • •

ATHLETICS 9 South Asia Olympic Council (SAOC)

O L I U C T N H U A O SI C A OLYMPIC The South Asia Olympic Council (SAOC), recognised by OCA, is the governing body of all sports in South Asia. The mission of SAOC is to organise and encourage sports in South Asia. Besides sports, the SAOC promotes Olympic values such as fair play, respect for others, friendship and goodwill among the youth of South Asia. The SAG in all their modalities are the exclusive properties of the SAOC. It will ensure the regular celebration of the SAG and provide fair and impartial competition. SAOC Member Countries consists of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. SAOC Member Countries

Country Code Afghanistan AFG Bangladesh BAN Bhutan BHU India IND Maldives MDV Nepal NEP Sri Lanka SRI Pakistan PAK

ATHLETICS 10 Afghanistan Bangladesh

Bhutan India

Maldives Nepal

Pakistan Sri Lanka

ATHLETICS 11 STAKEHOLDERS

Indian Olympic Association (IOA)

Indian Olympic Association is the apex umbrella body for sports bodies in India and is responsible for preparing and selecting athletes for all major international events. The Games were allotted to IOA by the SAOC and are being hosted under the aegis of the IOA with the support of Government of India and State Governments of Assam and Meghalaya. The IOA has constituted the Games Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC) to manage and supervise the technical conduct of the Games and to ensure that the Games are held in accordance with International Federations rules and regulations and the constitution of South Asian Games. The IOA is committed to collaborating with the National Sports Federations and the Government of India, to prepare the best possible team for the 12th South Asian Games.

ATHLETICS 12 Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports is the nodal agency of the Government of India for the development & promotion of sports in the country. The ministry is providing all support for the 12th South Asian Games. It has a key role as mentioned below for the successful delivery of the Games. • Providing funds to the Government of Assam, Government of Meghalaya and other stakeholders for sport and related infrastructure as well as to the Organising Committee for the conduct of the Games. • Reviewing and monitoring the delivery of the Games through the Internal Working Group, a Committee headed by Mr. Rajiv Yadav, Secretary (Sports), MoYAS, Government of India. • Providing assistance for obtaining approvals from MHA, MEA and MoCA for visa purposes and necessary support required at Guwahati Airport.

State Governments of Assam & Meghalaya

The State Governments of Assam & Meghalaya are the key delivery partners of the Games, which are responsible for venue development as well as local support such as security, medical facilities, etc for the Games. The host Governments will be making all arrangements for providing an enjoyable experience to all the visitors during the Games.

ATHLETICS 13 Organising Committee – 12th South Asian Games 2016

The OC-SAG is the apex committee for the management and organisation of the Games. The OC-SAG was set-up on 29th June, 2015 under the chairmanship of Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India and Mr. N. Ramachandran, President IOA is the co-chairman. Mr. Jarnail Singh is the Secretary General and Mr. Rajeev Mehta, Secretary General IOA is the Co-convenor of the OC-SAG. The GTCC constituted by the IOA is headed by Dr. Akhilesh Das Gupta, Vice-President IOA; and Mr. Rakesh Gupta and Dr. S. M. Bali, Joint-Secretaries IOA are the Deputy Chairpersons. Mr. Injeti Srinivas, Director General – Sports Authority of India (SAI) is the CEO (Guwahati) and Mr. R. K. Sharma is the CEO (Shillong) for the Games. The OC-SAG is the organisation responsible for the conduct and delivery of these games.

OC-SAG is currently comprised of 16 functional areas namely:

1. Accommodation 9. Procurement 2. Accreditation 10. Office Administration 3. Ceremonies 11. Security 4. Communications 12. Sport 5. Coordination, Planning & Project 13. Technology Management 6. Finance 14. Transport 7. Marketing 15. Venue Development, Overlays & Operations 8. Medical & Anti-Doping 16. Volunteers

ATHLETICS 14 Competition History: Athletics On the first Olympic Games at 776 BC, Coroebus of Elis won the running race (known as The Stadion) 192m of distance, to become the first ever Olympic champion. One of the first athletics events in ancient times was the race in armour. The first recorded athletics competitions were in European countries, such as Greece, Ireland and Scotland. Athletics, also known as ‘track and field’ in the USA and Canada, was opened up to women at the Amsterdam 1928 Olympic Games. In Olympics, more medals are awarded for athletics than any other sport – a total of 141, including 47 golds. Today, when there is no measurable time difference between the first runners over the line, the winner is decided by a ‘photo finish’, using the image from a camera set up on the finish line.

ATHLETICS 15 International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Sebastian Coe President

Asian Athletics Association (AAA) Dahlan Jumaan Al Hamad President

Dr. Lalit K Bhanot Vice President

South Asia Olympic Council (SAOC) N Ramachandran President

Rajeev Mehta Secretary General

Games Technical Conduct Committee Dr. Akhilesh Das Gupta Chairman

Rakesh Gupta S M Bali Deputy Chairman

ATHLETICS 16 Athletics Federation of India (AFI) Adille J Sumariwalla President

C K Valson Secretary

Tony Daniel Competition Director

Subhash Basumatary Director (OC-SAG Sports Functional Area)

Organising Committee – 12th South Asian Games (OC-SAG) Nidhi Bhawan, Lalmati - Basistha NH-37, Guwahati (Assam) PIN-781029 INDIA Phone: +91 361 2300052 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.southasiangames2016.com

ATHLETICS 17 Competition Information Dates 4 Days of Competition The Athletics Competition of the 12th South Asian Games will be held in Guwahati from 9th to 12th February, 2016. Venues Competition Venue Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium, Sarusajai Sports Complex, Guwahati Warm Up Venues Warm up track at Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium, Sarusajai Sports Complex, Guwahati Training Venues Athletics Practice Track, Sarusajai Sports Complex, Guwahati Eligibility The Competitors only belonging to NOCs of Member countries of SAOC and complying with the Constitution and Rules of International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) as well as those of the Asian Athletics Association (AAA) are entitled to participate in the 12th South Asian Games. Events MEN WOMEN 1. 100 M 1. 100 M 2. 200 M 2. 200 M 3. 400 M 3. 400 M 4. 800 M 4. 800 M 5. 1500 M 5. 1500 M 6. 5000 M 6. 5000 M 7. 10000 M 7. 10000 M 8. Marathon 8. Marathon 9. 110 M Hurdles 9. 100 M Hurdles 10. 400 M Hurdles 10. 400 M Hurdles 11. High Jump 11. High Jump

ATHLETICS 18 MEN WOMEN 12. Pole Vault - 13. Long Jump 12. Long Jump 14. Triple Jump 13. Triple Jump 15. Shot Put 14. Shot Put 16. Discus Throw - 17. Hammer Throw - 18. Javelin Throw 15. Javelin Throw 19. 4x100 M Relay 16. 4x100 M Relay 20. 4x400 M Relay 17. 4x400 M Relay Individual Events Each participating country may enter two (2) competitors for each individual event. Team Events Each NOC may enter One (1) team in each Relay event. Relay teams may be composed of up to Six (6) athletes. Once the team has taken part in the event, only two (2) additional athletes may take part in subsequent rounds as substitutes. The substitutes may only be taken from the list of athletes entered for the athletic competition whether for the relays or for any other athletics event. Entries a) The preliminary Entry By Number from all countries must be received by the Organising Committee - 12th South Asian Games (OC-SAG) with intimation to the National Olympic Committee of India (IOA) not later than 10th December, 2015. b) The finalEntry By Name of all the competitors/team officials must be received by the OC-SAG with intimation to the National Olympic Committee of India (IOA) not later than 5thJanuary, 2016. After expiry of the deadline prescribed for the final entry, no addition/change of competitors will be allowed.

Final Confirmation Official representative of each country must submit final confirmation of athletes to the SAOC Athletics Technical Committee immediately after the Technical Meeting.

ATHLETICS 19 Date Deadline for submission of Confirmation forms Day 1 Immediately after the Technical Meeting Day 2 9.00 am on Day 1 for Day 2 Day 3 9.00 am on Day 2 for Day 3 Day 4 9.00 am on Day 2 for Day 4 Competition Rules and Regulations a) The Athletic competition shall be organized in accordance with the current IAAF rules. Any unforeseen incident not covered by the Rules, shall be resolved in accordance with the constitution of OC-SAG, AAA and IAAF. b) The starting and successive heights of the bar in the High Jump and Pole Vault will be decided by the Technical Delegate at the Technical Meeting before competition. c) The time limits for athletes to report to the call room before the event are as follows:- Call Room Reporting time Track 30 minutes before the official start of the event Field Events 40 minutes before the official start of the event High Jump 45 minutes before the official start of the event Pole Vault 60 minutes before the official start of the event

Competition Schedule 9th Feb 1st Day 101 4.00 PM High Jump MEN Final 102 4.00 PM Shot Put WOMEN Final 103 4.00 PM 800 M WOMEN Final 104 4.10 PM Discus Throw MEN Final 105 4.15 PM 800 M MEN Final 106 4.40 PM 100 M MEN Heats 107 5.00 PM 100 M WOMEN Heats 108 5.00 PM Long Jump WOMEN Final 109 5.30 PM 5000 M MEN Final 110 6.00 PM 5000 M WOMEN Final

ATHLETICS 20 111 6.15 PM 100 M MEN Final 112 6.30 PM 100 M WOMEN Final

10th Feb. 2nd Day 201 4.00 PM 110 M Hurdles MEN Heats 202 4.00 PM Long Jump MEN Final 203 4.00 PM Pole Vault MEN Final 204 4.00 PM Javelin Throw WOMEN Final 205 4.15 PM Shot Put MEN Final 206 4.15 PM High Jump WOMEN Final 207 4.30 PM 100 M Hurdles WOMEN Heats 208 4.45 PM 400 M MEN Heats 209 5.00 PM 400 M WOMEN Heats 210 5.15 PM 110 M Hurdles MEN Final 211 5.15 PM Triple Jump WOMEN Final 212 5.45 PM 100 M Hurdles WOMEN Final 213 6.00 PM 400 M MEN Final 214 6.15 PM 400 M WOMEN Final 215 6.30 PM 10000 M MEN Final 216 7.10 PM 4x100 M Relay WOMEN Final 217 7.25 PM 4x100 M Relay MEN Final 11th Feb. 3rd Day 301 4.30 PM 200 M MEN Heats 302 7.20 PM 4x400 M Relay WOMEN Final 303 7.00 PM 4x400 M Relay MEN Final 304 6.55 PM 400 M Hurdles WOMEN Final 305 6.40 PM 400 M Hurdles MEN Final 306 6.15 PM 200 M WOMEN Final 307 6.00 PM 200 M MEN Final 308 5.40 PM 1500 M MEN Final 309 5.40 PM 10000 M WOMEN Final 310 5.30 PM Hammer Throw MEN Final 311 5.15 PM 1500 M WOMEN Final

ATHLETICS 21 312 4.45 PM 200 M WOMEN Heats 313 4.20 PM 400 M Hurdles WOMEN Heats 314 4.15 PM Triple Jump MEN Final 315 4.00 PM Javelin Throw MEN Final 316 4.00 PM 400 M Hurdles MEN Heats 12th Feb. 4th Day 401 6.30 AM Marathon MEN Final 402 6.30 AM Marathon WOMEN Final N.B.: This schedule is subject to change depending on the number of participants. Final schedule can be done only after the final confirmation. Implements and Equipment The OC-SAG will provide all the implements and equipment for the competition, warm up and for training at the respective sites. No personal implements and equipment other than the Vaulting Pole will be permitted for Competition. All equipment will conform to the IAAF rules. However, personal implements will only be allowed, provided the same is submitted at Technical Information Center two hours before the scheduled time of competition of the event. Once approved by the Technical Delegate, the implements and equipment shall be added to pool of equipment which will be available to all competitors during the competition. Medical Doping Control During the 12th South Asian Games, Doping Control tests will be conducted in accordance with the OCA Medical Committee’s instructions and will follow the procedures laid down by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Medical Facilities Medical facilities will be available at the Accommodation, Training and Competition Venues. Protest and Appeals A jury of appeal will be formed by the delegate of AAA in accordance with the SAF OC/OCA constitution and Rules as well as the IAAF Rules. Protests will be resolved according to the IAAF rules. A deposit of US$50/- will have to accompany each protest, which will be refunded if the protest is upheld.

ATHLETICS 22 Technical a) Marathon Route: The time for showing the marathon route will be decided in Technical Meeting. b) Training Facilities: Training Facilities will be available at Warm Up track at Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium, Sarusajai Sports Complex from 7.00AM to 11.00AM and 3.00PM to 7.00PM. c) Venue of Technical Meeting: Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium, Sarusajai Sports Complex, Guwahati. Technical Delegates Technical Delegates (TD) shall be appointed by the AAA. Technical Officials International Technical Officials (ITO) to conduct the meet shall be appointed by the Asian Athletics Association (AAA). All other Technical Officials shall be appointed by the Athletic Federation of India (AFI). The number of International Technical official shall as follows: a) Organisation Delegate : 1 b) Technical Delegate : 2 c) Medical Delegate : 1 d) ITOs : 10 e) International Photo Finish Judge : 2 Dress Code The Competitors in the Athletic competition must wear the official uniform (sports costume) of their NOC. No advertising may be displayed on any article of clothing or equipment in the competition area, in accordance with IAAF rules 18 and 143. Athletes must wear their numbers on the front and back. Numbers must be fixed on the vest all along the edge and must not be folded in any way. Victory and Award Ceremonies The Victory and Award ceremonies shall be held after completion of final each event and after the final results are announced. The ceremony will take place in front of the VIP tribune. The National Anthem of the gold medal winner(s) will be played and the country flags of the medalists will be hoisted. Winners must wear their NOC official Sport Uniform.

ATHLETICS 23 Prizes The Prizes for the Athletics Competition will be as follows: Individual Events Gold Gilt – Medal and Diploma for the winner in each First Prize event. Silver – Medal and Diploma for the winner of Second Second Prize Place. Bronze – Medal and Diploma for the winner of Third Third Prize Place. Diploma for each participating competitor finishing Fourth, Fifth and Sixth fourth, fifth and sixth. Team Events: Gold Gilt – Medal and Diploma for each participating First Prize athlete of the winning team. Silver – Medal and Diploma for each participating Second Prize athlete of the team finishing Second. Bronze –Medal and Diploma for each participating Third Prize athlete of the team finishing Third. Diploma for each participating athlete of the team Fourth, Fifth and Sixth finishing fourth, fifth and sixth.

Interviews with the Media Facilities for media interviews will be provided after the Victory Ceremony.

Technical Information Centre (TIC) Information for team Delegates will be available at the Technical Information Center at the Main Stadium.

Meeting Technical Meeting will be held on 8th February, 2016. Team Manager and one more representative from each participating country may participate.

Approval of Technical Handbook This Technical Handbook has been approved by the AAA/ SAAF/ AFI.

ATHLETICS 24 Transportation A comprehensive transport system for athletes, team officials and technical officials will be available exclusively for the SAG 2016 Games. This will include- 1. Transportation of the delegates from Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport to the place of accommodation. Regular shuttle service from accommodation to official competition venues and training venues. 2. Special transportation services for the opening and closing ceremonies. 3. Departure service from the accommodation to the airport.

Athletes Accommodation Different three star hotels will accommodate athletes, team officials during the period from February 3rd - 17th, 2016. OC-SAG 2016 and the hotel management will provide all possible assistance to the athletes and the officials to make them feel comfortable and homely. It is our intention to provide best hospitality services to all our guests and make the 12th South Asian Games 2016, a memorable event.

Medical Services A First-aid and Emergency Medical Service First Response will be provided during the SA Games to all participants at the competition and training venues. The service will comprise of a dedicated medical team supported by an ambulance service. Medical services will also be ensured at the accommodation for the athletes and officials which will include sports medicine, physiotherapy, general medicine, consultancy services and a 24 hour emergency services for acute needs. If patients require more specialized medical care, they will be transported to the SAG nominated hospitals and clinics. Any non-emergency care provided outside will be the expenses of the individual concerned.

ATHLETICS 25 *OC-SAG

ATHLETICS 26 INDIA ndia is one of the oldest civilizations in the world with a kaleidoscopic variety Iand rich cultural heritage. It has achieved all-round socio-economic progress during the last 68 years of its Independence. India has become self-sufficient in agricultural production and is now one of the top industrialized country in the world and one of the few nations to have gone into outer space to conquer nature for the benefit of the people. As the th7 largest country in the world, India stands apart from the rest of Asia, marked off as it is by mountains and the sea, which give the country a distinct geographical entity. Bounded by the Great Himalayas in the north, it stretches southwards and at the Tropic of Cancer, tapers off into the Indian Ocean between the Bay of Bengal on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west.

Capital New Delhi Indian Standard Time GMT + 05:30 Area 3.3 Million sq. km Telephone Country Code +91 Border Countries Afghanistan and Pakistan to the north-west; China, Bhutan and Nepal to the north; Myanmar to the east; and Bangladesh to the east of West Bengal. Sri Lanka is separated from India by a narrow channel of sea, formed by Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar. There are 29 States and 7 Union Territories in the country. From the largest to the smallest, each State/UT of India has a unique demography, history and culture, dress, festivals, languages etc. The National Flag is a horizontal tricolour of deep saffron (kesaria) at the top, white in the middle, and dark green at the bottom in equal proportion. At the centre of the white band is a navy blue wheel, which is a representation of the Ashoka Chakra at Sarnath.

ATHLETICS 27 VISITING NORTH EAST INDIA

eemed as ‘Paradise Unexplored’, the North East India – a region with suave Dhills, carpeted with greenery, makes it one of the most mystic and perhaps the most beautiful region of the country. A land, where the eastern tresses are weaved with magnificent mountains with the sun sprinkling its first ray; the mighty Brahmaputra here gurgles from narrow to broad, while the rich wildlife meanders in the green pastures. Not to miss out, this enchanting destination also showcases the perfect bond formed by the tribal and racial affinity. And this gives a glimpse to the matchless beauty and enigmatic appeal of North East India. Belonging to the eastern Himalayan belt and Brahmaputra plains, this region is known for its extremities as it covers the eastern frontiers of India with China, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. This natural paradise is a blend of the eight sister states namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim. Popularly known as the gateway city to the Northeast India, Assam, one of the vibrant Northeastern states, is a verdant land with unparalleled serenity, a cache of flora and fauna and mesmerizing aroma of tea, which gives a divine

ATHLETICS 28 awakening to ones soul and the home of great one-horned rhino located in the famous world heritage site ‘Kaziranga National Park’ along with the other wildlife areas. One can also discover Assam visiting the world famous village of Sualkuchi also called the Silk Paradise. The state of Meghalaya, also known as ‘Abode of Clouds’, once the Summer Capital of the East India Company, stands out as a Cavers’ Paradise and magnificent waterfalls. Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya is famous for its music and scenic beauty.

Northeast India is a land of festivities. The constituent population for the most part being tribal, festivities are affairs that bring to the fore the most vibrant, meaningful and colorful display of weaves, art, music and food variety in store, something which is unique and staple to each tribe and community. So, visiting the Northeast is by itself an adventure of a kind. It is such a place which can be visited throughout the year as the climate of remains pleasant, however, the best time is from September to March. Everyone who has set foot on its scape is left lured to no end. Welcome to the Northeast where, myth and history intertwine smoothly!

ATHLETICS 29 WEATHER IN FEBRUARY Guwahati February is perhaps the best time to visit the city of Guwahati with average temperatures around pleasant 19 degrees Celsius. The highest temperatures can be around 26 degrees Celsius with lows of around 11.9 degrees Celsius. The city receives scanty rainfall during the month of around 2 cm. These pleasant weather conditions make the city a tourist hot spot during the weather with visitors flocking in from every nook and corner of the country to visit the city as well as the entire north east region.

Shillong The hilly city experiences chilly winters during the months of December and January but February marks the onset of spring in the city with average temperatures around 13.1 degrees Celsius. The highest temperatures can be around 17.3 degrees Celsius with lows of around 8.9 degrees Celsius. The city receives very little precipitation during the month with average recorded rainfall of around 3cm.

ATHLETICS 30 *OC-SAG Map of Guwahati *Shillong Police Map of Shillong

ATHLETICS 31 ORGANISING COMMITTEE - 12th SOUTH ASIAN GAMES (OC-SAG) Nidhi Bhawan, Lalmati-Basistha NH-37, Guwahati (Assam) PIN - 781029 INDIA Phone: +91 361 2300052 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.southasiangames2016.com