September 23, 2007	Sunday	Ramazan 10, 1428

GUANZHOU, Sept 22: South Asian nations Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will be among top countries competing for medals when cricket is introduced in 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, organizers of 2010 Asian Games said on Saturday.

Organizers of Guangzhou Asian Games, in Colombo on promotional tour across South Asia, promised spectacular show when cricket is introduced in event for first time ever.

The proposal to include cricket in Asian Games was approved at Olympic Council of Asia’s (OCA) General Assembly in Kuwait early 2007 and brought to millions of cricket fans right across Asia.

“Cricket is South Asian countries’ forte. Its introduction will give these countries more chances to win gold medals and improve level of China’s cricket teams,” said Fang Daer, marketing department director of Guangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee.

Guangzhou overcame impressive list of candidates in July 2004 to win right to host 2010 Asian Games. The city will renovate 78 exiting sports facilities and will build a new Asian Games Village, media center and 21 stadiums.—Agencies