AASU unhappy with Games infrastructure

Guwahati, Dec 27 (UNI) The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) expressed its unhappiness over the infrastructural work being developed for various events for the coming 33rd National Games in the state.

The student body urged the state government as well as the Assam Olympic Association (AOA) to complete the remaining work on a war footing and ensure it was of international standard as these stadia would be a future asset for the state.

An AASU delegation, on an invitation from the state government, visited various newly constructed arenas and stadia yesterday to take stock of the present status of infrastructural developments for the Games.

Speaking at a press conference, AASU adviser Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharya said here sports venues were still not up to the national or international standard.

They held both state government and the AOA responsible for not being able the utilise this great scope.

They urged the state government to do the necessary at the earliest as 'hosting of the National Games is a matter of pride for the state'.

A sum of Rs 350 crore has been earmarked for the Game's infrastructural development.

He pointed out that in the wake of National Games, Asom would have got some permanent international standard stadia in the state.

''But due to the casual attitude of the AOA and state government we have lost the scope. Cracks have already developed at newly constructed velodrum at Tepesia, venues for boxing and cycling.

Venue for women football at Gauhati University is not up to the mark and need immediate attention,'' he added.

AASU has asked the government to publish 'a white paper' for expenditure in due course.

To a query about their stand with regard to ULFA's Games boycott call, Mr Bhattacharya said this was a prestigious event for the state, and AASU would always remain vigilant for the development and prestige of the state.

The student body appealed to the state government to name the various sections of the stadium after former and present Asom players who brought laurels to the state, he added.

The 33rd National Games is scheduled to kick off from February 9 next.

AASU president Sankar Prasad Rai and general secretary Tapan Kumar Gogoi were also present in the conference.

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