Punjab seeks postponement of National Games

Chandigarh, April 21: Inderjit Singh Bindra, secretary general of the organising committee of the National Games-2000, expressed satisfact...

Chandigarh, April 21: Inderjit Singh Bindra, secretary general of the organising committee of the National Games-2000, expressed satisfaction over the progress made by Punjab towards conducting the National Games from November 5 to 16. He even announced that Punjab is “more than 150 per cent ready to host the Games on schedule.”

A three-member committee, with OCNG-2000 working president Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Bindra and organising secretary Arvind Khanna as its members, has been formed and authorised to hold discussions with the Indian Olymplic Association for postponement of the Games.

“Though we are ready to host the Games even at a short notice of 15 days, new dates will be allotted by the IOA if it agrees to our suggestion,” said Bindra and Khanna, who jointly addressed the press conference.

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Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, who presided over the inaugural meeting, promised to extend full Government support in hosting the National Games. The chief minister expected that the “Games should be conducted in the best and most professional manner.”

Meanwhile, representatives of a number of state associations were against any postponement of the National Games. They told Khanna that “we should stick to the dates (September 5 to 16, 2000) allotted by the IOA. We have already lost a chance of playing host to the Games in 1989. ”

Khanna later said, “The Games should be conducted as schedule. There should be no change. However, it is my personal view.”

The budget of Rs 50 crore was approved for organising the games, creating and renovation of the infrastructure and importing equipment. The State and Centre have promised sufficient fund. Union Sports Minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa had also hinted to get financial assistance from the Planning Commission.

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The organising committee would also market the TV rights to raise funds. On the suggestion of the members, general and donors tickets would be sold.

A large number of Olympians and international players and presidents of the various state sports associations attended the meeting. “Olympians and international players would be the main guiding factor in organising the games in a smooth manner. Their views are most valuable to such,” announced Bindra.