Asom in festive spirit in run up to Games

Guwahati, Jan 5 (UNI) As the National Games date approaches, host Asom is making all efforts to attract the local people and infuse a festive spirit among them with a bevy of programmes lined up.

The state would host the 33rd National Games from February 9 to 18.

A cultural night, along with a felicitation and interaction session with veteran players of the state has been organised tomorrow in the city.

Informing this at a press meet here today, state Power and Industries Minister, also the chairman of the media and publicity cell of the Games, Pradyut Bordoloi said, ''The aim of tomorrow's function is to create an ambience for the veteran players to share their experiences with the medal aspirants of the state.'' The young players, who would represent the state in the coming Games, could hope to pick a tip or two to boost their medals tally, he added.

As many as 26 sportspersons would be felicitated tomorrow. The list include players who had represented the state in the Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, Arjuna awardees and medallists of SAF Games, Afro-Asian Games and Senior World Championships.

A cultural function, featuring singing sensations Debojit Saha and Bonjyotsna, along with other artists of the state, would add colour to the event, Mr Bordoloi said. The most well known face of the latest crop of singers of the state Zubin Garg would not be able to attend the function due to a prior engagement.

The minister further informed that the organisers were arranging for giant projection screens at vantage locations in the city for live telecast of opening and closing ceremonies of the Games.

He said, ''We want everyone to be a part of the Games. As the Sarujai main stadium has a capacity of 35,000 people, we will ensure other residents of the city are not left out of the celebrations.'' Secretary general (organisation) for the Games V S Bhaskar informed that all imported equipment were on the way and all consignments, from within the country as well as abroad, would reach the state by January 15.

He said Wizcraft International Entertainment Private Ltd, an internationally reputed group, has won the event management rights for the Games.

Secretary general (infrastructure and equipment) Pradip Hazarika said all infrastructure was almost in place and the last minute touches were being given to those which were still to be ready.

UNI