The 8th Bangladesh Games ended with a short closing ceremony yesterday evening - the lack of extravagance, a mark of respect for the almost 400 who died in the Savar tragedy last week.
The 40-minute long programme at the Bangabandhu National Stadium began at 7pm, following a one-minute silence for the Savar victims. The chief guest of the programme was Finance Minister AMA Muhith, who had been the Chairman of the Games Organising Committee.
Bangladesh Olympic Association cancelled the more festive elements that had previously been planned, such as fireworks and a cultural programme, in light of the recent Savar tragedy.
The revised ceremony consisted of a 10-minute AV display, followed by an appearance by the Games’ mascot “Tarunnya” the squirrel, and finally, a march by the athletes who participated.
The finance minister declared the nine-day Games closed at 7.33pm, after which the Games’ mascot left the field. The Games’ cauldron, which had been lit at the stadium tower at the opening ceremony on April 20, was extinguished at 7.40pm.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Ansar retained their trend of topping the medals list of the meet as they bagged a 111 gold, 74 silver and 65 bronze medals (total 250). Bangladesh Army were placed second with 67 gold, 39 silver and 37 bronze medals (total 143), while BJMC clinched the third spot with 36 gold, 49 silver and 29 bronze medals (total 114).
Navy swimmer Mahfizur Rahman Sagor won the largest number of gold medals (seven), and broke four national records in so doing.
A total of 25 national records were broken, in six disciplines, at the Games.
