JOA express concern over slow preparation for 34th national games

Ranchi, Aug 6 (UNI) Expressing deep concern over slow progress in preparation for the 34th national games, Jharkhand Olympic Association (JOA) today said that state government would have to pay one-crore rupees penalty if games are postponed.

Addressing a press conference here, JOA general secretary S M Hashmi said the preparation for the 34th national games was being done with very slow speed adding a lot of things have to be done before November 2007.

The national games are scheduled to begin from November 15, 2007, and will end on 25th of the same month.

Mr Hashmi said recently Indian Olympic Association has sought information based on the five points regarding sports event, its venue, Khelgaon and other basic infrastructure required for the national games.

He said IOA has asked to give reports of the committees made for the preparations of the national games by August 18.

IOA has also asked to get the host deed signed, according to which the state government would pay the penalty if games were postponed, Hashmi added Decision in this context was taken in JOA's meeting held in November 2005.

Mr Hashmi said he would meet Chief Minister Arjun Munda, who is also the Chairman of the organising committee, on August 11 for speeding up the preparations, adding that postponing the games would be an embarrasment for both the state and the association.

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