ISLAMABAD, April 7: The 9th SAF Games came to a close on Wednesday night in the same manner they had begun - with a bang - as the skies above the Jinnah Stadium lit up in an assortment of colours , bringing to an end a party that South Asia wouldn't easily forget.

Islamabad crossed the finish in grand style after 10 days of virtually nonstop action featuring the finest athletes of the region who added spice to the show with a string of sizzling performances.

The closing ceremony was as spectacular as last week's opening with a striking display of laser lights, fireworks and music, the key features as the Games flag was handed over to Sri Lanka, the next hosts, who will stage the 10th edition in Colombo under the new name of South Asian Games.

H. Fernando, representative of the Sri Lanka's Olympic Committee received the flag from Lt-Gen Syed Arif Hasan, the chief of the Games organizing committee.

Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali watched the closing ceremony from the VIP Box, as Gen Arif declared the Games closed while in the later half of the show the flame, which was lit by the legendary squash champion Jahangir Khan on March 29, was finally extinguished.

"We had to fight great odds for three years and tonight it is with a great sense of accomplishment that I announce the end of the Games," said Gen Arif, who is also the president of the Pakistan Olympic Association and the South Asian Olympic Committee.

"It is difficult to part but all good things must come to an end, and we look forward to seeing you all in Colombo in 2005." Part of the colourful show were the participating athletes, performers, organizers and volunteers, who gathered in the centre in a display of togetherness and harmony.

As she did at the opening ceremony, Hadiqa Kiyani was again on show, enthralling a packed house with her song of hope, "Suraj Mukhi", encouraging people to look forward to a promising future.

Also among the performers was Najam Shiraz, singing "Remember we will", Shahzad Roy and popular band Strings. Shahzad sent the spectators into a frenzy with his number "Yee Udasi Kiyun" while Hadiqa's "Dupatta" was also greatly appreciated by thousands of her fans.

During the course of the closing the SASF flag was lowered and carried out of the stadium by six Pakistani gold-winning athletes including football captain Jaffar Khan and 400m hurdles winner Allah Ditta.

Young boys presented the "Field of Sunflowers" sequence that was perfectly executed and applauded while another prominent feature was the performance by Sri Lankan dance troupe.

Later a stunning fireworks display marked the end of the show that took months of hard work and rehearsals in which the children of Islamabad played a major role. Gen Arif thanked them while also acknowledging the efforts of his organizing team, volunteers and the media.