Asian Beach Games no threat to National Games: Organisers

Jamshedpur: Indians are all set to take part in December`s Asian Beach Games at Muscat, Oman, when the 34th National Games would be on but the aquatics events have been scheduled carefully so that they can compete in the domestic event also after returning home, organisers said. Beach Games would be held from December 8-16, while the National Games would be organised from December 9-22. India would compete in swimming and volleyball in the Beach Games. Swimming events for the National Games will begin only after Indian team return from the Beach Games on December 13, said Organising Secretary of the National Games S M Hashmi. Hashmi, also a senior functionary of Jharkhand Olympic Association (JOA), said there was no possibility of further postponement of the National Games, which had already been deferred five times for various reasons including political instability, heatwave condition and incomplete infrastructure. The National Games` schedule was already delayed by two years and Kerala, which was to host the mega-event this year had it not been delayed, will now host the 35th edition next year followed by Goa in 2012.About preparation of the National Games, Hashmi said the infrastructure development was almost complete and JOA was ready to host the Games in time. Only some minor works such as fixing of floors for badminton and basketball courts were required and it would be completed soon, he claimed and added that a meeting of Games Technical Conduct Committee as well as the last inspection of infrastructure would be held by this month end. After this, he said, the infrastructure would be handed over to the National Games Authorities. Altogether 34 events will be organised during National Games in three venues, he said. Dhanbad will host six water sports events, Jamshedpur boxing, weightlifting, archery and women`s football and others will be hosted in the main venue, Ranchi.Hashmi said the JOA has appealed to the Indian Olympic Association to introduce one demonstration game in each venue of the 34th National Games. Denying the allegation of hiring sportspersons by Jharkhand to win medals, Hashmi said about 65 state-based sportspersons represent various states and institutions and they have already obtained `No Objection Certificates` from IOA to allow them represent Jharkhand. "I was really surprised to see the our medal prospect sportspersons were representing West Bengal, Orissa, Maharashtra, Services etc in events like rowing, fencing, rugby, handball, shooting. "What`s wrong if we ask them play for the state team in the National Games and that too within the guidelines of IOA?" he said. PTI