Postponed National Games may be shifted from Quetta

ISLAMABAD: The repeatedly postponed and delayed 33rd National Games may be finally be moved out of Balochistan capital Quetta as the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) convened an important General Council meeting in Lahore on March 31.

A well-placed source confirmed to The News that the meeting has been convened exclusively to decide on the future of the 33rd National Games. “The repeatedly postponed and delayed National Games could well be moved out of Quetta (Balochistan) as the provincial government seems least interested in holding the extravaganza. Neither Balochistan Ministry of Sports nor their Sports Board is keen back and support their Olympic Committee to organise the important event. It has almost more than three years now that we have been waiting for the green signal from the Government of Balochistan. Sadly that positive signal is not coming out as everyone there seems least bothered and least interested in holding the Games. In that scenario we have no other option but to go back to the Congress members for next course of action,” the source confirmed.

Though the final decision rests with the POA Congress members, The News has learnt that the Games could well be moved out of the Quetta and are likely to be given to KP Olympic Association. “Every other province is willing to host the Games. KP has time and again expressed its willingness to hold the 33rd edition of the Games. Chances of giving go ahead to the KP to host the event, are bright. All however depends on the Congress members decision.” The official said that Quetta could well be given the chance to host the next edition of the Games. “At the moment there seems no urgency on the part of Quetta to honour their commitment. In case they are willing to host the 34th edition of the Games, the provincial Olympic Association would be free to seek POA Congress approval.”

With the South Asian Olympic Committee meeting in Bangkok is scheduled within couple of day’s time to decide on the SA Games dates, organizing National Games within next few months becomes all the more important. “The National Games besides being the major sporting event of the country also serves as the preparatory ground for the international events. It is pertinent now to decide on the Games rather than waiting for the Balochistan government to make its mind. The unnecessary delay in the Games has already left its mark on development of sports in the country.”