Tuesday, August 29 2006 11:06 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Colombo: The 10th South Asian Games dishes out a mediocre fare with top names in the region largely keeping out to prepare for tougher competitions ahead, but the multi-disciplinary event does succeed in providing the right launching pad to youngsters and those seeking to stage a comeback.

India expectedly romps home with the highest number of medals to reassert their regional supremacy, but their show here would count only if they manage to translate even a half of it at the Asian Games in Doha later this year.

With 118 gold, 69 silver and 47 bronzes, India exceeds their tally of 103 gold medals win in the previous edition of the Games in Islamabad in 2004.

Be it the swimming pool or the track and field events, the Indians make their presence felt in almost every discipline, which meant Pakistan and Sri Lanka are left fighting for the runner up slot on the medals tally.

Pakistan finishes with 43 gold, 44 silver and 71 bronzes, while Sri Lanka's performance is noteworthy as well with 37 gold, 63 silver and 78 bronze medals.

Adding spark to the otherwise lacklustre Games is the presence of India's top athlete Anju Bobby George and Sri Lankan sprint star Susanthika Jayasinghe, both making a comeback after injury-induced layoffs.

The two may not have reproduced their best, but the gold medals they win would serve as a morale booster in their quest to regain their vintage form.