Invoking the historical bond between South Asian nations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday appealed to sportspersons to play for peace, prosperity and in full vigour and enthusiasm so that they can remember the 12th South Asian Games even after they are over. Declaring open the Games at a brightly-lit Sarusojai stadium here, Modi said that he felt “privileged and honoured to be among sportspersons from our neighbourhood and brothers and sisters from Saarc countries”. “I welcome all of you to India, a country known for its culture of and to this beautiful city of Guwahati known for its hospitality and love for sports,” the prime minister said. The official mascot of 12th South Asian Games, ‘Tikhor’, a baby rhino, leading the march past at the opening ceremony at Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.