Assam has been selected to host the 33rd edition of National Games in the 2004.

Making the announcement at the opening ceremony of the 32nd National Games at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday evening, Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi said: "I am happy to inform that in the general body meeting of the Indian Olympic Committee, we have allotted the next National Games to Assam."

"Assam is the host of the next National Games but it is not going to be an easy task. After Hyderabad, you all have to work very real hard. Hyderabad has shown the way," he added.

According to sources, four states -- Assam, Goa, Haryana and Jharkhand -- made a bid to host the 33rd edition of the  Games. However, the general body meeting of the Indian Olympic Association finalised the bid in favour of Assam in the afternoon, much to the disappointment of Haryana, which was a serious contender.