Athletes from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka host Pakistan and new entrant Afghanistan will compete in the regional Olympic competition that faced uncertainty since the events of September 11 in 2001.

The SAF Games were originally scheduled in October 2001. It was shifted to March 2002 but was put off again following border tensions with India and the American invasion of Iraq.

But the long wait will be over once Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf inaugurates the biennial Games in a gala opening ceremony at Islamabad's 45,000-capacity Jinnah Stadium.

Bangladesh has sent a strong 138-member contingent to feature in a total of 13 out of 15 disciplines.

Bangladesh booters are already in action before the biggest regional Games officially opens.

In yesterday's big match, defending champions Bangladesh drew goalless with India in their opening Group A encounter. Unlike the previous eight editions where full-strength took part, this time the seven-team football competition is featuring only under-23 players.