7th Defence Services Games 2012 declared open in Colombo

Secretary Defence and Urban Development  Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared open the 7th Defence Services Games-2012, on Saturday (1st September) at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Secretary Defence, as the Chairman of the Defence Services Games-2012 hoisted the Defense Services Flag before declare opening the games.

Exhibiting the true spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship over 1200 athletes participating at the Games paraded the stadium waving their flags to the cheers and applause of their colleagues.

In keeping with tradition the torch bearers lit the Olympic flame to the sound of drums and thus began the sports fiesta of the tri forces of Sri Lanka. Subsequently the three captains of the teams and officials participating at the games took the oaths at the podium as per tradition of sports which will ensure fair play and justice.

Both male and female contestants will vie for gold, silver and bronze in athletics and games including badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, cricket, kabadi, karate, parachuting, sailing, rugby, football, swimming, squash, table tennis, weight lifting, gymnastics, wushu etc.

Continuing the celebratory mood of the opening ceremony the spectators were treated to a spectacular display by the tri services cultural pageant.

Making history on the inaugural day sessions, two new records in 800m and 5000m Women's events were established. These two records serves as a perfect prelude to the great many sporting surprises the Defence Services Games will spring out to the world.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonetillake, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake , Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama and a large number of tri service officers and other ranks attended the inaugural day ceremony.

Source: Defence