Guwahati, Feb. 17: Tikhor, the one-horned rhino mascot of the 12th South Asian Games that concluded yesterday, entertained the twin host cities of Guwahati and Shillong for the past two months. Unlike "Shera" of Delhi Commonwealth Games or "Rongmon" of 33rd National Games here, who disappeared after the games, Tikhor is here to stay.
The Union sports ministry, which patronised the 12-day event, has proposed to create two parks in Tikhor's name in both the host cities to tell the tales of the first-ever international multi-discipline event in this part of the country for posterity.
"We are considering the creation of two parks in Guwahati and Shillong in the name of Tikhor as we want the legacy of the Games to last for posterity. It will be for recreational purpose for all sections of the people," Onkar Kedia, joint secretary in the Union sports ministry, told The Telegraph here today.
"In Guwahati, we propose to set up the park on Gauhati University campus. The university authorities have given their consent. In Shillong, we are considering setting up the park on the North Eastern Hill University campus. The parks will be based on the theme of sports promotion," he said.
Sources said the parks would have statues of Tikhor playing the 22 sports disciplines of the Games, a jogging track and other amenities of a recreational park.
Tikhor - legendary litterateur Lakshminath Bezbaroa's personification of a sharp, naughty and sporty child - was designed by Kolhapur artist Anant Khasbard under the supervision of noted artist Nani Borpujari.
Meanwhile, the organising committee, headed by Union sports minister Sarbananda Sonowal, today drew accolades from the Centre for successful conduct of the Games.
"The Union cabinet today discussed the success of the Games and appreciated the organisers for it. The Centre has also extended thanks to the state governments of Assam and Meghalaya for their support and cooperation," Union sports ministry secretary Rajiv Yadav said here today.
He also revealed that the government was considering granting cash incentives to all the medallists of the Games.
The Assam government has already announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh for every gold medallist.
