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National Youth Games postponed

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE Jan. 3. The National Youth Games, which is Karnataka Olympic Association's most ambitious venture since the National Games of 1997, should have begun tomorrow here, but when KOA was busy making all arrangements, the State Government, felt that it was not prudent to host the games at the moment and it had announced the postponement, to the surprise of KOA.

The government cited `inadequate infrastructure' in Bangalore as the reason for the postponement while several others suggested it was lack of funds, which led the decision.

Mr. K. Govindraj, President of the KOA, clarified its stand on the issue. "We were all geared to conduct the Games, but we do agree with the government's position that facilities have to be upgraded to host a meet of this magnitude. Already works are in progress, to repair track at Sree Kanteerva Stadium and works are also being undertaken to re-surface the Indoor Stadium in Koramangala and Sree Kanteerava Stadium here besides the KSHA hockey stadium. We are confident of hosting the Games in a proper manner and we are awaiting government's decision on the new dates," said Mr. Govindraj.

In all probability, the games would be held any time between May-August this year, this again depends any development regarding the General Elections, due this year.

Govindraj claimed that funds were not a problem at all, for conducting the Games. "The State Government which promised Rs.4 crore, had already released Rs.2 crore and other private sponsors have come forward to provide the remaining amount, which would cost us around Rs.6 crore,'' said Mr. Govindraj.

As a run-up to National Youth Games, the KOA will conduct the State Youth Game here next month.`` It will be a dress rehearsal for the National meet ", said Mr. Govindraj.

The KOA chief, who is also the Secretary of the State Basketball Association, said that Karnataka would host the Junior Asian basketball championship here in August-September.

He said that KOA favoured a bigger role for private players in sports promotion, especially, in the maintenance of infrastructure facilities and sought corporate support for the State Associations on a long-term basis.

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