Nepalgunj, April 19 -- President Bidya Devi Bhandari declared the eighth National Games open as the multi-sporting extravaganza of the country officially kicked off at the Nepalgunj Stadium amidst poor preparations on Thursday.

A total of 14 sports disciplines out of 35 had already concluded when the opening ceremony started. At the refurbished Nepalgunj Stadium the event witnessed a colourful inauguration partially under lights.

The opening ceremony began with the march-past of players from all seven provinces, three departmental teams--Tribhuvan Army Club, Nepal Police Club and Nepal Armed Police Club,--Non Resident Nepalese Association and tournament officials. The march-past was followed by cultural presentation from different organ...