Quetta gears up to host National Games

ISLAMABAD: Renovation and repair of Quetta''s historic Ayub National Stadium is underway at a cost of Rs 710 million to host 33rd National Games scheduled to be held from April 22 to 29 .

According to an official of Balochistan Sports Board, the work at the stadium, which had the capacity to accommodate over 20,000 spectators, would be completed in time for the national games.

The official told APP that Rs 300 million had been allocated to meet the lodging and transport costs of over 7,000 athletes, from across the country, who would take part in different sports competitions.

It may be mentioned that Ayub National Stadium was used to hold different sports events, especially football cricket matches. However, presently it is being used for political gatherings. The national games are expected to revive sports activities at the stadium. A member of the inspection team, which was sent by Pakistan Olympic Association from Islamabad for reviewing the renovation of the stadium, expressed his dissatisfaction over the pace of work.

Talking to APP, he said the Ayub Stadium’s football ground lacked basic facilities, including pavilion, and it was denuded of grass. Similarly, running track, hockey ground, and volleyball, tennis and squash courts had not yet been renovated, while there was no track for cycling, he said, adding the construction of a swimming pool had not been initiated so far.

He, however, expressed the hope that the construction and renovation work would be completed well in time to hold the games. In case the restoration of Ayub Stadium was delayed then the event could be shifted to some other city, he added. The stadium had hosted a One Day International cricket match between Pakistan and India in 1978.