National Games may be delayed

The National Games, to be held in Guwahati in December, are likely to be postponed.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gagoi has sought its postponement on the plea that floods in the state have hindered construction work of various stadia.

Talking to rediff.com, Randhir Singh, secretary general of the Indian Olympic Association, pleaded ignorance about the Assam government making a formal request for postponement.

"We have not received any letter from the Assam government. But I have read the statement of the chief minister of Assam, Mr Gagoi, in a newspaper, where he had said that the state would not be able to host the Games as per schedule," he said.

According to sources in IOA the games, if not held on schedule, may have to be cancelled because Jharkhand which is due to hold the games in 2007, has already started construction work.Uttar Pradesh has also started making preparations for hosting the national games in 2009 in earnest.

"In 2006 our international commitments may not allow the staging of the National Games. We would take stock of the situation in our meeting. We have to see international  calenders and the availability of the top athletes and teams to participate in the National Games if they are postponed and suitable slot is found to squeez them in between heavy commitments next year," he said.

ULFA (United Liberation Front of Asom) militants have issued warning that they will disrupt the National Games if they are held in Assam.