National Games postponed yet again

KARACHI: As expected Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) on Wednesday postponed the 33rd National Games once again.“Based on deliberations and recommendations of Sports Commission it has been decided by the POA that the National Games cannot be held on the schedule dates i.e. 21-29 April, 2018,” the POA said in a press release.

“The fresh dates will be announced when all venues are ready and necessary sports gears and equipment have been procured and inspected by respective provincial associations,” it added. “Thereafter at least three months advance notice will be given to all participating units,” it added.

The POA added that it reiterates its commitment to hold the 33rd National Games at Quetta. It urged both Balochistan Olympic Association and government of Balochistan to take necessary measures in shortest possible time to hold the Games in a befitting manner.

The POA said that during the course of successful 4th Inter Provincial Games there were apprehensions regarding the preparations for the conduct of the 33rd National Games at Quetta.

“The POA arranged consultations with all the stakeholders to once again evaluate and review these arrangements. A meeting was convened by the POA president to discuss the subject,” it said.

The meeting was attended by POA Core Committee for the National Games, POA Sports Commission, participating units, secretary sports, government of Balochistan, POA venue inspection committee, secretary general Balochistan Olympic Association, secretaries general of national sports federations (available at Peshawar) and a representative of Balochistan Sports Board.

The POA said that the arrangements were discussed in depth. The Balochistan secretary sports informed the stakeholders that all requisites were still in the pipeline, particularly regarding the completion of venues, procurement of equipment and security plan and hoped these would be completed in time.

The other stakeholders presented their viewpoints indicating several deficiencies. These points were further discussed by the POA Sports Commission in a separate meeting, the POA said. The Games had been postponed several times before.