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Gogoi apologises for national games postponement

Sushanta Talukdar

Dismisses AGP, BJP demand for probe into delay

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Tuesday apologised to the people for the State Government's inability to hold the 33rd National Games on time. He, however, assured them that the State would get the best sports infrastructure during his tenure.

Announcing the postponement of the event on November 12, Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi had said it could not be held in the next two months. Hence, it had to be deferred till October 2006.

Quality of infrastructure

He, however, expressed satisfaction over the progress and quality of the infrastructure. "This is one of the best infrastructure we have seen, much better than any of the previous games. I think it is on par with any Asian Games venue."

Mr. Gogoi dismissed the Asom Gana Parishad and the Bharatiya Janata Party's demand for a probe into the delay.

He accused them of "shedding crocodile tears." The State would host the Games in January next with the best infrastructure in place, he said.

He pointed out that previous editions of the Games had been delayed by at least a year when they were hosted by Andhra Pradesh or Punjab. He attributed the present delay to court litigation, floods affecting the civil works, heavy work involved in earth filling at various sites and delay in acquisition of land.

AGP president Brindaban Goswami demanded a high-level probe into the alleged corruption involved in the development of infrastructure for the national games.

He expressed doubt over whether the infrastructure would be ready even by October next.

The BJP said the Government should tender an apology to the people for "misleading them by repeatedly giving the impression that the Games would be held on time."

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