The thrice-postponed South Asian Federation Games finally became a reality on Monday with President Pervez Musharraf turning out to be the surprise chief guest at a colourful opening ceremony at the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad.

Musharraf's arrival led to a mixture of pleasant surprise and confusion since the organisers had said the Games would be inaugurated by Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali.

The organisers later clarified that Jamali's name was used because of security reasons as the President has escaped three attacks on his life.

The stringent security measures, which had anti-aircraft guns mounted on roof-tops and surveillance helicopters flying, should have been indication of what was in store.

However, for the people who have been subject to military coups and wars with its neighbour, the sporting event has come as a pleasant distraction and the majestic Jinnah stadium overflowed its capacity with many stranded outside.

Welcoming the athletes from seven SAARC member countries as well as Afghanistan, who have been extended a special invitation, was organising committee chairman Lt. Gen Saeed Arif Hasan.

"Three years ago we embarked on our journey to host the Games but the events that unfolded globally forced us to postpone the Games not once but thrice," Hasan said.

"We were determined to show the world that we are strong enough to foster friendship and brotherhood in hosting the Games as appropriately reflected in the Games' logo.

"We will together participate in the Games to win hearts and not just the medals," he said.

The event, which will see over 2,500 athletes compete, began with the Pakistan national anthem by school children followed by a recitation from the Holy Quran by Qazi Zafar Qasmi.

The teams, led by the mascot Bholu, the brown Himalayan bear, and Sassi, the Indus Dolphin. marched past the chief guests.

Shooter Jaspal Rana led the 150-strong Indian contingent.

Six outstanding athletes of Pakistan hoisted the SASF flag to thunderous applause.

The torch was brought inside by Asian Games gold medal winning boxer Abdul Samad Mir while former World squash champion Jahangir Khan lit the flame.

Then, the spectators were treated to cultural performances that included traditional Urdu songs as well as English pop songs which was followed by fireworks and an immaculately schemed laser beam animation display.

Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Shivshankar Menon and Indian Olympic Association Secretary-General Randhir Singh also attended the ceremony while IOA president Suresh Kalmadi could not make it as he was busy with electioneering.