2003 Afro-Asian Games

Multi-sport event held in Hyderabad, India 2003 July 2022 July 2022 I Afro-Asian Games First Afro-Asian Games Logo and Mascot.PNG The logo (left) and mascot Sheroo (right) of the 2003 Afro-Asian Games. The logo shows the Charminar, Hyderabad's most famous landmark, surrounded by a string of pearls. The mascot is named Sheroo, a lion. India Hyderabad-Secunderabad, India 24 October 2003 1 November 2003 96 2,040 8 131(75 men's events, 55women's events, 1combined event) Anjali Bhagwat L. K. Advani (Deputy Prime Minister of India) A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (President of India) afroasiangames.org Gachibowli Athletic Stadium "Two Continents, One Spirit"Theme song: Come Together To Celebrate Afro-Asian Games The 2003 Afro-Asian Games, officially known as the First Afro-Asian Games or I Afro-Asian Games and unofficially known as the Inaugural Afro-Asian Games, was a major international multi-sport event held in Hyderabad, India,http://www.gbrathletics.com/ic/aag.htm gbrathletics Host city of 1st Afro-Asian Games 2009-04-11 https://web.archive.org/web/20090321205102/http://www.gbrathletics.com/ic/aag.htm 21 March 2009 live from 24 October (excluding football and hockey, which began on 22 October and 23 October respectively) to 1 November 2003.http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Countdown-begins-for-Afro-Asian-Games/articleshow/155923.cms The Times Of India 2003-09-01 Reason for choosing Hyderabad over other cities 2010-03-01 April 2012 H3llBot The Afro-Asian Games was the largest sporting event ever to be held in Hyderabad, and one of the largest in India, second only to the 2010 Commonwealth Games by athletes' volume. The scale of these Games exceeds even the two Asian Games held in Delhi in 1951 (both by athletes' volume and by number of participating nations) and 1982 (by number of participating nations). More than 2000 athletes from 96 countries competed in the Games. A total of 131 sporting events in eight disciplines were conducted. Also, 120 countries sent 1,565 official representatives to these Games. The first Afro-Asian Games were held after nearly two decades of delays, shifts and cancellations. The prolonged amount of time for these Games considerably reduced interest in them. After the preliminary decision of hosting the Games, the venue was shuttled between New Delhi and Kuwait City. At the last moment, New Delhi was out favoured by Hyderabad, which had hosted the National Games of India in 2002.http://www.goodnewsindia.com/index.php/Supplement/article/317/ GoodNewsIndia 2002-12-21 2002 National Games to be held in Hyderabad, India 2009-06-27 https://web.archive.org/web/20070627163505/http://www.goodnewsindia.com/index.php/Supplement/article/317/ 2007-06-27 live These Games, however, had lesser scope than the Asian Games or Commonwealth Games, since 96 nations participated in only eight disciplines. The Games witnessed only one new world record. Thirty-seven countries – an unprecedented 39% of the participating nations – won at least one medal in these Games. History The idea to hold an inter-continental sporting event between Asia and Africa was initiated in April 1983, with New Delhi as the proposed venue. However, for unknown circumstances, the venue was shifted to Kuwait and the Games were proposed to be held in 1985.https://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031018/spr-trib.htm The Tribune India 2003-10-18 Amardeep Bhattal First Afro-Asian Games 2003; Impressive logo, mascot; After false starts, the show is on 2022-07-16 https://web.archive.org/web/20160303214536/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031018/spr-trib.htm 2016-03-03 live Political instability led to the cancellation of the Games. In 1989, the proposal was reconsidered, with New Delhi again chosen as the venue for the Games. The Games were then scheduled for 1991. The plans went wrong due to inefficient communication between the members, and so could not come into force. In 1999, a proposal for the renewal of the Games was accepted. Subsequently, Pune and then New Delhi were proposed as venues. However, they were postponed till November 2001.http://www.hindu.com/mp/2003/11/27/stories/2003112700030400.htm 2003-11-27 A. Joseph Antony Original date and place for Ist AAG; Cost of hosting AAG; A view of the procedure of hosting the AAG; Pressure upon AAG Secretariat 2009-05-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20121104070637/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2003/11/27/stories/2003112700030400.htm 2012-11-04 The Hindu dead Slow preparations led to indefinite postponement again. After the occurrence of 9/11, Delhi pulled out. This led to the circulation of rumours that the games were "jinxed".http://www.indianexpress.com/oldStory/34063/ The Indian Express 2003-10-25 Biswajyoti Brahma Finally, "jinxed" Games get underway; No individual march past for nations; arrival in 2 batches 2009-05-30 Later, the IOA announced that the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) had sanctioned 2003 as the new date for the Games.http://www.hindu.com/2002/05/09/stories/2002050903152100.htm 2002-05-09 New dates for AAG 2009-05-25 https://web.archive.org/web/20110604141740/http://www.hindu.com/2002/05/09/stories/2002050903152100.htm 2011-06-04 The Hindu dead Also, the venue was changed to Hyderabad after Delhi pulled out. Most critics point to the successful hosting of the 32nd National Games of India, which were held at Hyderabad, as the main reason for Hyderabad being chosen. Preparation thumb|A view of Gachibowli, the Hyderabadean suburb which hosted the Games The Indian Government spent 1.03 billion (US$22.92 million), for the Afro-Asian Games, making these Games one of the most expensive sporting events held in Hyderabad. All preparations were completed within 60 days before the events began. General preparation The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) decided to set up a central head of the development for the Games. Thus, the Afro-Asian Games Secretariat was set up at the Greenlands Guest House to organize, monitor and manage all the activities related to the Games. 17 functional organizing sub-committees were formed to oversee the development of the venues and other infrastructure.http://www.hindu.com/2003/09/25/stories/2003092500911900.htm 2003-09-25 Sub-organizing committees for the AAG??!! 2009-05-25 https://web.archive.org/web/20110604141753/http://www.hindu.com/2003/09/25/stories/2003092500911900.htm 2011-06-04 The Hindu dead The various functions were divided within these committees. The special officer-in-charge of the Games was Sabyasachi Ghosh,http://www.financialexpress.com/news/ap-out-of-bounds-for-business-visitors-during-afroasian-games/95766/ The Financial Express 2003-10-10 OIC of 2003 AAG 2010-03-01 https://web.archive.org/web/20130615141810/http://www.financialexpress.com/news/ap-out-of-bounds-for-business-visitors-during-afroasian-games/95766 2013-06-15 live while the Secretary-General of the Games was Ali Moradi.http://www.indianexpress.com/oldStory/33265/ The Indian Express 2003-10-12 Kumar Shyam AAG is ideal to test all waters 2010-03-18 A large development Planning Association meant a great amount of inter-connectivity and communication requirements. A 24-hour call centre with interpreters was set up, using a Closed User Group (CUG) circuit. A large "web" of networking facilities was built to connect all the hotels, media centres, stadia and Transportation Committees. This would help in easing pressure on any one committee. Since the African continent is not very well-connected, an Accreditation Committee was dispatched to Abuja - in Nigeria - the host city of the 2003 All-Africa Games. The Accreditation committee brought all sports-persons and officials from Africa to Hyderabad. Technology The software company CMC Limited had developed a Games and Event Management System (GEMS),http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2003/10/26/stories/2003102601140200.htm The Hindu - Business Line 2003-10-26 GEMS to be developed by CMC 2009-11-17 https://web.archive.org/web/20121003074633/http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2003/10/26/stories/2003102601140200.htm 2012-10-03 live which helped the organizers to efficiently manage events across the sports venues. It worked closely with Doordarshan, the official television broadcasters of the Games, to provide results of sporting competitions and live Games information. Additionally, cutting-edge technology like the implementation of geo-referenced maps and Geographic Information System (GIS) was implemented,http://www.financialexpress.com/news/andhra-to-sport-its-tech-prowess-at-afroasian-games/89025/ The Financial Express 2003-09-08 Implementation of GIS and geo maps for the AAG 2009-11-17 https://web.archive.org/web/20130615074247/http://www.financialexpress.com/news/andhra-to-sport-its-tech-prowess-at-afroasian-games/89025 2013-06-15 live so as to ensure a smooth and rapid flow of work. Transport In the month of September, less than a month away from the Afro-Asian Games, the Transport Ministry of Hyderabad released a large number of luxury vehicles, to be used in the Games. It was the second time in the span of one year that the Transport Ministry had done so - the first time being for the 32nd National Games of India.http://www.hindu.com/2003/09/26/stories/2003092611660300.htm 2003-09-26 Suresh Krishnamoorthy Hyderabad Transport Ministry goes into overdrive; launches luxury transportation for 2003 AAG 2009-07-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20110604141803/http://www.hindu.com/2003/09/26/stories/2003092611660300.htm 2011-06-04 The Hindu dead In an effort to spruce up the city in time for the Games, the organizers arranged several buses, vans and cars to ferry the athletes and the guests. Accommodation Accommodation for the 2003 Afro-Asian Games Accommodation of the athletes and foreign officials posed a serious problem to the organisers. Contrary to what the Olympics and related multi-sport events provide, no actual Games Village was available for the athletes to stay.http://beta.mid-day.com/news/2003/oct/67163.htm MidDay 2003-10-26 Absence of a Games Village 2009-12-16 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110714091220/http://beta.mid-day.com/news/2003/oct/67163.htm 2011-07-14 The Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) had initially wanted to have a separate Games Village for the Games, but could not arrange for it. Even though Hyderabad had hosted the 32nd National Games of India in 2002, for which a Games Village had been built, the organizers could not utilise it due to severe financial problems. It was estimated that about 800 million (US$16 million) would be required to upgrade the existing Games Village.http://www.hindu.com/mp/2003/10/02/stories/2003100200990400.htm 2003-10-02 Upgradation of existing Games Village impossible 2009-12-13 https://web.archive.org/web/20110604141834/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2003/10/02/stories/2003100200990400.htm 2011-06-04 The Hindu dead The Government of Andhra Pradesh and the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) instead opted to obtain bulk bookings from all the major hotels in the city so as to provide accommodation for the athletes, foreign dignitaries and the media. Security About 1400 police personnel were drawn from various districts of Andhra Pradesh to provide the first layer of security. In addition to this, over 5000 city policemen were deployed in various places, including the event venues and all the major hotels of the city.http://www.rediff.com/sports/2003/oct/18aag.htm Rediff.com 2003-10-18 Strict security arrangements made for the Games 2009-10-19 https://web.archive.org/web/20100606075608/http://www.rediff.com/sports/2003/oct/18aag.htm 2010-06-06 live Strict anti-sabotage measures were taken to provide security at the athlete hotels. Also, a 24-hour access control system was placed, with sniffer dogs used to sanitise the area. To facilitate foreign athletes and officials, four immigration counters were set up at the airport. A time limit of 30 minutes was laid down to clear any athlete or official. To improve security speed, six interpreters of Russian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, French and Arabic were present at the airport. In addition, 24 specially trained immigration personnel were stationed round the clock in the airport. Pressure on Organizing Committee There was a lot of pressure upon the Secretariat for the smooth performance of these Games, as the IOA would keenly observe the Afro-Asian Games, in preparation for the 2010 Commonwealth Games at Delhi, India. Also, officials from Beijing, China - the venue of 2008 Summer Olympics - and Doha, Qatar - the host of 2006 Asian Games - would attend the Afro-Asian Games, and keenly observe the way the Games functioned. However, hosting of the Games was not the only major issue for the committee. The Afro-Asian Games would see the participation of various nations which are not in good terms with some other nations. The then Prime Minister of India, Atal Behari Vajpayee, had hinted that "some nations might withdraw from the Games, rather than get embroiled in international conflicts".http://www.hindu.com/2001/09/16/stories/07160966.htm 2001-09-16 S. Thyagarajan Possibility of withdrawal at AAG; strife between nations creates fear 2009-05-30 https://web.archive.org/web/20110604141858/http://www.hindu.com/2001/09/16/stories/07160966.htm 2011-06-04 The Hindu dead Marketing Logo The logo of the Afro-Asian Games was the Charminar - Hyderabad's most famous landmark - surrounded by a string of pearls. Hyderabad is also famous for its pearls. The official logo of the Games was unveiled, along with the official website, by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on 3 September 2003.http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-4466925_ITM Access My Library 2003-09-03 Press Trust Of India (PTI) Official logo and website of 2003 AAG unveiled 2009-07-09 Mascot The Mascot for these Games was Sheroo, also spelt Sheru, a cartoon lion. Subsequently, a variation of the name 'Sheroo', called 'Shera', was also given for the mascot of the 2010 Commonwealth Games.http://www.topendsports.com/events/commonwealth-games/mascots.htm Top End Sports Name of mascot of Afro-Asian Games and 2010 Commonwealth Games are silmilar? 2009-10-11 https://web.archive.org/web/20091016211511/http://www.topendsports.com/events/commonwealth-games/mascots.htm 16 October 2009 live Sponsorships Several Indian corporates such as Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), GVK Group and State Bank of Hyderabad provided sponsorships worth INR 10 million each towards the staging of several events of the inaugural Games. Several other corporates such as Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Videocon and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) also contributed to the Games.http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2003/10/24/stories/2003102401591700.htm The Hindu 2003-10-24 Corporate Sponsorships for 2003 AAG 2010-02-28 https://web.archive.org/web/20121003074639/http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2003/10/24/stories/2003102401591700.htm 2012-10-03 live Also, Florida-based IMG Academy assisted in the conduct of the Games. Participating countries thumb|A view of the participants' flag-bearers The First Afro-Asian Games were the first time that Asia and Africa came together for such a large event. 43 Asian and 53 African nations participated in this sporting event. Below is a list of all the participating countries in the Inaugural Afro-Asian Games. center|400px|Participating nations 18em Afghanistan 2002 Algeria Angola Bahrain Bangladesh Benin Bhutan Botswana Brunei Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad People's Republic of China (108)http://www.chinaembassy.org.in/eng/wh/t61257.htm Embassy of the People's republic of China in India 2003-10-24 delegation of China in 2003 AAG 2010-03-01 https://web.archive.org/web/20100125034333/http://www.chinaembassy.org.in/eng/wh/t61257.htm 2010-01-25 live Chinese Taipei Comoros Republic of the Congo Democratic Republic of the Congo 2003 DR Congo Djibouti Egypt Ethiopia 1996 Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Hong Kong India (host) Indonesia Iran Islamic Republic of Iran Iraq 1991 Côte d'Ivoire Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Lesotho 1987 Liberia Libya 1977 Madagascar Malaysia Malawi 1964 Maldives Mali Mauritania 1959 Mauritius Mongolia Morocco Mozambique Myanmar 1974 Namibia Nepal Niger Nigeria North Korea Oman Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Rwanda São Tomé and Príncipe Saudi Arabia Sierra Leone Senegal Seychelles Singapore Somalia South Africa South Korea Sri Lanka Sudan Swaziland Syrian Arab Republic 1980 Tajikistan United Republic of Tanzania Thailand Togo Tunisia Turkmenistan Uganda United Arab Emirates Uzbekistan Vietnam Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Venues The events of the Games were held across eight stadiums, spread throughout the suburb of Gachibowli. The venues were: Gachibowli Gachibowli Athletic StadiumCapacity: 30,000Events: Opening and closing ceremonies, Athletics, Boxing, Football Kotla Vijay Bhaskar Reddy Indoor StadiumCapacity: 2,000Events: Weightlifting Lal Bahadur Shastri StadiumCapacity: 30,000http://www.mapsofindia.com/cricket/stadium/lal-bahadur-shastri-stadium.html Maps Of India Capacity of Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium 2009-11-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20091104040547/http://www.mapsofindia.com/cricket/stadium/lal-bahadur-shastri-stadium.html 4 November 2009 liveEvents: Football Gachibowli Hockey StadiumCapacity: 8,000Events: Hockey 170px 170px 170px center|300pxGachibowli Central University Shooting RangeCapacity: 600http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/india/hyderabad/entertainment-in-hyderabad/stadiums-in-hyderabad/index.html AsiaRooms.com Capacity of Central University Shooting Range 2009-11-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20090802094439/http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/india/hyderabad/entertainment-in-hyderabad/stadiums-in-hyderabad/index.html 2009-08-02 deadEvents: Shooting Aquatics ComplexCapacity: 2,000Events: Swimming SAAP Tennis ComplexCapacity: 4,000Events: Tennis G. M. C. Balayogi SATS Indoor StadiumCapacity: 4,000Events: Boxing 170px Sports The program of the Afro-Asian Games was almost the same as that of the Asian Games, the only difference being in the number of sports. These Games witnessed eight disciplines in eight sports. Synchronised swimming and diving were not contested. The list of sports is given below (Number in parentheses indicates number of events). 20px Athletics (41) 20px Boxing (11) 20px Football (1) 20px Field hockey (2) 20px Shooting (16) 20px Swimming (38) 20px Tennis (7) 20px Weightlifting (15) Calendar The 2003 Afro-Asian Games Calendar is given below.http://www.rediff.com/sports/aag03dis1.htm Rediff 2003-10-30 Athletics Calendar 2009-05-25 https://web.archive.org/web/20080903011104/http://www.rediff.com/sports/aag03dis1.htm 2008-09-03 livehttp://www.rediff.com/sports/aag03dis2.htm Rediff 2003-10-31 Boxing calendar 2009-05-25 https://web.archive.org/web/20080903011109/http://www.rediff.com/sports/aag03dis2.htm 2008-09-03 livehttp://www.rediff.com/sports/aag03dis3.htm Rediff 2003-10-31 Football calendar 2009-05-25 https://web.archive.org/web/20081013012657/http://www.rediff.com/sports/aag03dis3.htm 2008-10-13 livehttp://www.rediff.com/sports/aag03dis4.htm Rediff 2003-10-30 Hockey calendar 2009-05-25 https://web.archive.org/web/20090213210343/http://www.rediff.com/sports/aag03dis4.htm 2009-02-13 livehttp://www.rediff.com/sports/aag03dis5.htm Rediff 2003-10-31 Shooting calendar 2009-05-25 https://web.archive.org/web/20100522023143/http://www.rediff.com/sports/aag03dis5.htm 2010-05-22 livehttp://www.rediff.com/sports/aag03dis6.htm Rediff 2003-10-30 Swimming calendar 2009-05-25 https://web.archive.org/web/20100522022928/http://www.rediff.com/sports/aag03dis6.htm 2010-05-22 livehttp://www.rediff.com/sports/aag03dis7.htm Rediff 2003-10-31 Tennis calendar 2009-05-25 https://web.archive.org/web/20100522023012/http://www.rediff.com/sports/aag03dis7.htm 2010-05-22 livehttp://www.rediff.com/sports/aag03dis8.htm Rediff 2003-10-31 Weightlifting calendar 2009-05-25 https://web.archive.org/web/20100522023023/http://www.rediff.com/sports/aag03dis8.htm 2010-05-22 live Qualification Qualification for the Games depended upon the performance of the countries in other major multi-sport events. Since these Games featured delegations from two continents, the qualification criteria for nations from the different continents was different. The qualification of the African nations was based on their performance in the 2003 All-Africa Games held in Abuja, Nigeria.http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2003/06/26/stories/2003062601412200.htm The Hindu 2003-06-26 K.P Mohan AAG - galloping costs, a race against time 2010-03-18 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090220163555/http://hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2003/06/26/stories/2003062601412200.htm 20 February 2009 The qualification for the Asian nations was based on their performance in the 2002 Asian Games held in Busan, South Korea. Media coverage Television The official television host broadcaster of the Afro-Asian Games was DD Sports,http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k3/nov/nov32.htm IndianTelevision.com 2003-11-05 Official broadcaster of the AAG Indian Television Dot Com 2009-05-26 https://web.archive.org/web/20110622061112/http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k3/nov/nov32.htm 2011-06-22 live India's first sports channel. The experience gained through broadcasting these Games would prove to be extremely helpful for its parent company Doordarshan, as they broadcast the 2004 Olympic Games live and would later telecast the 2010 Commonwealth Games.http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2003/11/03/stories/2003110300820200.htm The Hindu - Business Line 2003-11-02 Doordarshan aiming high; want to broadcast Athens Olympics and Delhi Commonwealth Games 2009-05-26 https://web.archive.org/web/20121003074747/http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2003/11/03/stories/2003110300820200.htm 2012-10-03 live However, the schedule of the Games clashed with an ongoing Triangular Cricket Tournament, and the events were aired on DD Metro.http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2003/10/22/stories/2003102201520400.htm The Hindu - Business Line 2003-10-21 Nithya Subramanian Exceptions during broadcasting - Triangular Tournament clashes with AAG; forces events to be aired elsewhere 2009-05-27 https://web.archive.org/web/20121003074756/http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2003/10/22/stories/2003102201520400.htm 2012-10-03 live Doordarshan deployed 350 personnel, 10 outdoor broadcasting vans and 86 cameras for obtaining coverage of the Games. Additionally, five cameras were used for the Sports news and the sidelights. Radio right Commentators we have taken are the best in the country. We have not spared any expenditure in this regard. K S Sharma, CEO, Prasar Bharati India's premier radio broadcaster, the All India Radio (A.I.R), was the official radio partner of the Games. The AIR hired 150 programmers and engineers for the coverage of the Games. Ceremonies The opening and closing ceremonies were described as "eye-filling" and "opulent" by several media centers.http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/2003/10/26/stories/2003102607951600.htm 2003-10-26 S.R. Suryanarayan Pomp and Pageantry mark the ceremonies of AAG 2010-03-01 https://web.archive.org/web/20121107192231/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/2003/10/26/stories/2003102607951600.htm 2012-11-07 The Hindu dead The ceremonies cost INR 150 million (US$3.34 million) to execute.https://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031102/sports.htm The Tribune, Chandigarh, India 2003-11-02 Amardeep Bhattal, M.S. Unnikrishnan Costs of Ceremonies 2009-11-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20090910033317/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031102/sports.htm 2009-09-10 live Children from India, China and some African nations had practiced for a reported 21 days to ensure the success of the beginning and the end of the Inaugural Games. The settings utilised for the ceremonies were designed by well-known art director and film production designer Nitin Chandrakant Desai. http://www.nitindesaionline.com/credit_pop7.html Nitin Desai Online.com Nitin Chandrakant Desai Event designer for the opening and closing ceremonies of the AAG 2010-04-03 https://web.archive.org/web/20100307142813/http://www.nitindesaionline.com/credit_pop7.html 2010-03-07 dead Opening ceremony The opening ceremony of the Games were held in the G. M. C. Balayogi Stadium - the main stadium of the events - at 5:30 pm IST.http://www.reachouthyderabad.com/newsmaker/hw93.htm ReachOutHyderabad.com October 2003 Time of beginning 1st AAG 2009-05-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20090105044448/http://www.reachouthyderabad.com/newsmaker/hw93.htm 2009-01-05 live The organisers considered it as "a benchmark of the Games". The opening ceremony of the Games showcased the cultural heritage of both the attending continents - Asia and Africa. 30,000 people came to watch the beginning of the gala sporting event.http://www.rediff.com/sports/2003/oct/24aag.htm Rediff 2003-10-24 People attending the AAG Opening ceremony 2009-04-11 https://web.archive.org/web/20100606073818/http://www.rediff.com/sports/2003/oct/24aag.htm 2010-06-06 live The ceremony, which was hosted by Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra, was spread over a time period of two hours and forty minutes.https://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031025/sports.htm The Tribune, India 2003-10-25 Amardeep Bhattal Who will host the Opener of 2003 AAG?? 2009-10-03 https://web.archive.org/web/20090831061238/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031025/sports.htm 2009-08-31 live Many celebrities, like actor Sanjay Dutt and tennis player Leander Paes graced the occasion. Also, six-time pole vault winner Sergey Bubka, along with his wife, attended the ceremony. Around 12,000 schoolchildren and college students came up with a show depicting the vast and vibrant culture of the two continents. Chief Guest Deputy Prime Minister L. K. Advani declared the Games open. Shooter Anjali Bhagwat took the Athlete's Oath. This was followed by a laser show, fireworks and a space cannon show. The highlight of the opening ceremony was the Umojas - a group of professional tribal dancers from Africa. There were other international showcases - the spiritual chanting by the Chinese monks, and the peace prayers by thousands of schoolchildren. Singer Shankar Mahadevan sang the theme song. Bollywood divas Shilpa Shetty, Simran and Urmila Matondkar did dance performances. Unlike the Olympic Games, there was no individual march past for the countries. The countries came in batches of two - Asian countries in one batch and African countries in another. Closing ceremony The closing ceremony of the Games was marked by lights, colour and technology. The closing ceremony was hosted by Yukta Mookhey. President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam officially closed the Games, in front of a near capacity crowd.http://www.hindu.com/2003/11/02/stories/2003110208071700.htm 2003-11-02 S. R. Suryanarayan Curtains draw on the Afro-Asian Games 2009-05-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20090709064841/http://www.hindu.com/2003/11/02/stories/2003110208071700.htm 2009-07-09 The Hindu dead His closing words were : "I congratulate all the athletes and officials who were part of the Games. When I see thousands of sportspersons I am sure the combined power of youth through sport will be the most powerful resource on earth."http://www.mail-archive.com/goanet@goanet.org/msg05708.html The Mail Archive 2003-11-01 Syed Amin Jafri Grand Finale to Afro-Asian Games 2010-02-13 https://web.archive.org/web/20110609185027/http://www.mail-archive.com/goanet@goanet.org/msg05708.html 2011-06-09 live As he did so, the Stadium was lit up in a pyrotechnics display, and fireworks burst in the sky. A "daredevil" act was done by a few service personnel, who came riding on motorcycles. A fly-past of the Indian Army airplanes, trailing smoke in the colours of the Indian flag took place as the dignitaries took their seats. The expected "high-point" of the closing ceremony was the show of camaraderie between the sportspersons of the two continents. However, few athletes trooped into the Stadium for that purpose. The "camaraderie ceremony" was followed by speeches of various important people, among them being IOA President Suresh Kalmadi, IOA and OCA Secretary-General Randhir Singh, ANOCA President Alfa Ibrahim Diallo, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Vikram Verma. The speeches were shortly followed by a memento presentation. As night fell, hundreds of Army recruits brought lighted torches, and did the "mashal dance". Laser lights and several technological innovations followed. Sheroo, the mascot, was bid farewell by noted Indian singer Hariharan and many costumed children. The Umojas performed yet again at the closing ceremony. The Chinese State circus was considered "breath-taking". Lebanese singer Diana Haddad, Egyptian singer Hisham Abbas and Indian singer Remo Fernandes performed at the closing ceremony as well. The host country was portrayed by a number of traditional folk dances, after which the Games officially ended. Highlights Africa was the clear leader in the athletics, winning 73 medals as compared to Asia's 47,http://www.rediff.com/sports/2003/nov/01ath.htm Rediff 2003-11-01 Indians shine in Athletics 2009-10-19 https://web.archive.org/web/20100606075712/http://www.rediff.com/sports/2003/nov/01ath.htm 2010-06-06 live even though the maximum number of nation-wise medals were garnered by Asian nations (China and India). Four time Olympic medallist Frankie Fredericks (Namibia) won the 200 metres race – the last major tournament win of his distinguished 17-year-long career.http://www.iaaf.org/athletes/biographies/letter=0/athcode=3720/index.html IAAF End of an illustruous career 2009-07-23 https://web.archive.org/web/20080925062833/http://www.iaaf.org/athletes/biographies/letter=0/athcode=3720/index.html 2008-09-25 live Indian tennis player Sania Mirza won four gold medals in the tournament, thereby becoming the most gold-medals winner in the tennis tournament.Sania Mirza - Rising Indian Tennis Star http://www.all-about-tennis.com/sania-mirza.html all-about-tennis.com 4 September 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20120107055509/http://www.all-about-tennis.com/sania-mirza.html 7 January 2012 Sun Dan, a 19-year-old Chinese Army officer of the 75-kg category, lifted a weight of 168.5 kg, breaking the previous world record of 168 kg (set by her compatriot Tang Gonghong). In addition, Nigerian athlete Mike Eamson hoisted a weight of 210 kg, which was the heaviest weight ever lifted in India according to the organisers. http://www.hinduonnet.com/2003/11/01/stories/2003110107041800.htm 2003 The Hindu Heaviest weight lifted on Indian Soil 2009-10-19 https://web.archive.org/web/20080504001559/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2003/11/01/stories/2003110107041800.htm 2008-05-04 dead Asia won the dual-continental event with 82 gold medals, against Africa's 49.http://www.chinaembassy.org.in/eng/wh/t61258.htm Embassy of People's Republic of China in India 2003-10-31 New World Record in Weightlifting by China 2009-04-12 https://web.archive.org/web/20100125033619/http://www.chinaembassy.org.in/eng/wh/t61258.htm 2010-01-25 live Medal table 2003 Afro-Asian Games medal table The official medal tally of the Afro-Asian Games is given below.http://www.rediff.com/sports/aag03medals.htm Rediff Medal tally of the 2003 AAG 2009-05-06 https://web.archive.org/web/20081013025303/http://www.rediff.com/sports/aag03medals.htm 2008-10-13 live China bagged the largest number of gold medals, followed by the host India in second place. Athletes from India won the most number of total medals, with 80. IND flagcountry 25 11 5 19 32 29 yes 15 6 2 10 12 13 10 11 15 7 6 11 7 6 9 7 2 3 7 5 0 Rest of Africa yes 5 8 6 5 5 3 ETH 1996 Legacy The success of the Games was a point in favor of India being able to host a major international sporting event. Subsequently, this success was used in the bidding of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, which was ultimately awarded to Delhi. http://www.thecommonwealthgames.org/delhi-2010/cwg-delhi-2010/about-delhi-2010/why-delhi-got-to-host-commonwealth-games-in-2010 The Commonwealth Games.org 2009-05-09 Effect of 2003 AAG on 2010 CWG bidding 2010-03-01 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100810205327/http://www.thecommonwealthgames.org/delhi-2010/cwg-delhi-2010/about-delhi-2010/why-delhi-got-to-host-commonwealth-games-in-2010 2010-08-10 In addition, the hospitality sector received a major boost due to the games, as hotels and guest houses received large booking orders from people who were coming to see the Games – media-persons, delegates, officials, visitors, sports-persons, etc. Tourism also benefited from the Games, and the State Tourism Department showed many foreign journalists key tourism spots in the city.http://www.blonnet.com/2003/10/23/stories/2003102301421700.htm The Hindu - Business Line 2003-10-23 Afro-Asian Games Legacy on hospitality and tourism 2010-03-01 https://web.archive.org/web/20041119112446/http://www.blonnet.com/2003/10/23/stories/2003102301421700.htm 2004-11-19 dead Many famous places such as the Charminar and the Chowmahalla Palace saw record number of visitors. Also, famous local markets witnessed exceptional growth in sales and business, as demand peaked during the Games. Business of the world-renowned pearls of Hyderabad increased by about 50%, generating revenue of 50 million in one week. The rise in buyers was mainly driven by African visitors, who prefer pearls as jewellery.http://www.financialexpress.com/news/pearl-traders-cash-in-on-afroasian-games-rush/88451/ The Financial Express 2003-10-31 Business of local industries picks up during 2003 AAG 2010-03-01 https://web.archive.org/web/20130615144014/http://www.financialexpress.com/news/pearl-traders-cash-in-on-afroasian-games-rush/88451 2013-06-15 live Also, sale of gold jewellery increased substantially, being driven by a large number of Muslim visitors who looked for traditional and intricate designs. In addition, bangles became the center of attraction for Chinese and African athletes. See also 2002 National Games of India References 2 External links Afro-Asian Games Host City - Algiers I Afro-Asian Games (2003) 2003 Afro-Asian Games, 2003 Category:21st century in Hyderabad, India Category:2003 in African sport Category:International sports competitions hosted by India Category:Multi-sport events in India Category:Organised events in Hyderabad, India Category:Sports competitions in Hyderabad, India Category:October 2003 sports events in India Category:November 2003 sports events in India