Chhattisgarh to host 37th National Games in 2013

New Delhi, Mar 31 (ANI): Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi has said that Chhattisgarh will host the 37th National Games, scheduled for 2013.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh signed the host city contract with Kalmadi at a function here on Tuesday.

The state government also handed over a cheque of Rs.two crore as contract fee for holding the event, which includes 33 categories of Olympic sports.

Speaking on the occasion, Suresh Kalmadi termed it as an opportunity for Chhattisgarh to train and prepare sportspersons with aspirations to emerge among the top performers and win medals.

"Not only Commonwealth Games but we also want to look forward to the Olympics as well. We want to encourage Olympic sports at all levels. We have to prepare players in every state and now Chhattisgarh also has a chance to prepare their players and in coming days they should participate at the national level and win medals because it is necessary and they should be won in Olympic sporting events," he said.

Raman Singh said that the state has already started preparations for the games.The elementary preparations have started and we hope to make the event a great success," he added.

"I just want to say that we will try that Chhattisgarh organises the best edition of National Games. For that whatever infrastructure is required, primary discussions and meetings regarding the games have already begun and progressing well," he said.

The subsequent event will be staged in Kerala during May this year while Goa will host the 36th edition in 2011. (ANI)