Quetta may not host 33rd National Games

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

A well-placed source told ‘The News’ on Thursday that the meeting has been arranged exclusively to decide on the future of the National Games.

“The Games could be moved out of Quetta as the provincial government seems least interested in holding the extravaganza. Neither Balochistan Ministry of Sports nor their Sports Board is keen to 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 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 said.

Though the final decision rests with the POA, this correspondent has learnt that the Games are likely to be given to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Olympic Association. “Every other province is willing to host the Games. KP has time and again expressed its willingness to hold the 33rd edition. Chances of giving go ahead to the KP to host the Games are bright. All however depends on the Congress members’ decision.”

The official said that Quetta could be given the chance to host the 34th edition. “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, 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 days’ time to decide the dates of SA Games, organising National Games within next few months becomes all the more important.

“The National Games besides being the major sporting event of the country also serve as the preparatory ground for the international events. The unnecessary delay has already left its mark on development of sports in the country,” the source said.