Khyber Paktunkhwa to host 33rd National Games in October
Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has shifted the National Games 2019 from Quetta to Khyber Paktunkhwa after taking the nod from its general body.
The 33rd edition of National Games in Pakistan's hosting rights have been shift to Khyber Pakhtunkhaw from Quetta as Balochistan has not prepared infrastructure and it has not laid a tartan track at the Ayub Stadium in Quetta, which will take at least six months. Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) ExCo took this decision in its meeting on Saturday and the General Council ratified the decision on Sunday in Lahore.
The KP Olympic Association President, Syed Aqil Shah had offered last month during an interview that if Quetta was unable to host the 33rd National Games then KP was ready to host it in October. Quetta was told that it could go for hosting the 34th edition of National Games next year if it was ready.
All aspects of holding the 33rd National Games allotted to Balochistan Olympic Association were discussed in depth, the POA said after its general council meeting in Lahore. These Games had been postponed a number of times during the past few years. Because of certain logistical and administrative constraints in Balochistan it was felt by the house that the Games could not be conducted in Quetta this year.
"Holding of these Games this year is absolutely imperative to enable the federations to be able to select their teams for the 13th South Asian Games to be held in Kathmandu, Nepal, in December. It was, therefore, decided by the house that the National Games be shifted to KP in October," POA said.
KP Olympic Association, having vast experienced of holding such Games in 1958, 1974, 1920, 1990, 1998 and 2010 is fully ready to host these Games, a jubilant Aqil Shah said. Now the Directorate of Sports KP will accordingly process a summary for approval to the Chief Minister KP seeking approval and release of funds to the tune of Rs. 150 million from the lump-sum (Total) budgetary provisions with Finance Department.
The POA added that in order to ensure that Balochistan did not lose its chance to hold the National Games it had been told to inform POA the moment it was ready in all aspects and the 34th National Games would automatically be held by it next year. The POA said the decision of the house was accepted by Balochistan Olympic Association (BOA) and Secretary Sports Balochistan, Ahmed Raza.
The POA also informed the house that the 13th South Asian Games would be held in Nepal from 1st to 10th December. Pakistan will feature in 27 disciplines. "The 13th South Asian Games can bring the youth of the neighboring countries close for harmony and peace through sports. The house urged the government of Pakistan to support the preparation and participation of a comprehensive contingent for these Games," POA said.
KP Olympic Association has taken its chief minister into confidence and it is expected that appropriate schedule will be announced which will help pick a solid contingent for the South Asian Games.
