Indian Central Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi declared the Games open amid huge fanfare and cheer from the stands.

Minister for Youth, Sports and Transport of West Bengal Subhas Chakraborty, president of Indian Olympic Association Suresh Kalmadi, secretary general of Bangladesh Olympic Association Kutubuddin Ahmed and general secretary of Bengal Olympic Association Kamalesh Chaterjee were also present at the gala event.

The opening ceremony comprised cultural programmes, callisthenics, fireworks, speeches of distinguished guests and marchpast of the participating teams.

Mahfuzur Rahman Mithu, who won gold in 110-metre hurdles in the 10th South Asian Games last year, carried the Bangladesh flag in the march past.

Chef-de-mission Mizanur Rahman Manu led the Bangladesh contingent in the marchpast.

The Indo-Bangla Games got the go-ahead with an agreement signed between Bangladesh Olympic Association and Bengal Olympic Association of India on December 16 last year in Dhaka.

As per the agreement, the Games will be held every alternate year in West Bengal and Bangladesh with a view to fostering brotherhood and friendship among the people of the two neighbouring countries.

The main competition starts today.

The 228-member Bangladesh contingent arrived here on Friday.