Kalmadi issue not to derail National Games in any way: Mattoo

Jamshedpur, Jan 25 (PTI) The 34th National Games will beheld as scheduled in Jharkhand from February 12-26, unaffectedby the removal of Indian Olympic Association President SureshKalmadi from the chairmanship of Commonwealth Games OrganisingCommittee, co-Chairman of National Games Steering Committee AK Mattoo said today.

Mattoo, who visited the steel city here to assess thepreparation work of the National Games, said Kalmadi''s removalas chairman of CWG Organising Committee will in no way affectthe smooth conduct of the event.

Asked whether there was any possibility of National Gamesbeing deferred for about a week in view of the February 10by-poll in Kharswan, where Jharkhand Chief Minister ArjunMunda is seeking election to the State Assembly, Mattoo saidthere was no such possibility as yet.

Expressing satisfaction over the preparation inJamshedpur, one of the venues of the National Games, Mattoosaid the steel city was all geared up to host the event.

However, there were minor issues like purchase of fewsports equipment for disciplines like archery but this wasexpected to be accomplished shortly, he said.

"The venue assessment report would be submitted to theIOA," he said.

About the possibility of corruption issues derailing theGames, he said there was competent agencies to look into suchthings.

He said all corruption charges before Delhi CommonwealthGames did not affect the CWG which was conducted spectacularlywith 71 nations taking part.