Sports Ministry takes stock of South Asian Games preparations

The government today took stock of the preparations of the 12th South Asian Games to be held in Guwahati and Shillong in February next year with the sports ministry asking the Assam and Meghalaya state governments to get the infrastructure ready on time.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Indian Olympic Association, Assam and Meghalaya state Olympic associations and ministry officials, including the sports secretary and SAI Director General.
The meeting reviewed the readiness and progress of infrastructure construction for all the 23 disciplines to be held in the Games.
"The ministry expressed concern over the readiness of hockey ground as turf arrival from abroad could be delayed. The issue of non-starting of shooting range civil works was also raised as just 80 days are left for the start of the Games," an official who attended the meeting told PTI.

Other issues discussed were the holding of torch relay, mascot launch, trial events for the disciplines to be conducted by National Sports Federations and security concerns in carrying weapons and ammunitions for shooting events in the two states and quick visa clearance from External Affairs and Home Ministries for Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan athletes.
Meanwhile, media reports in Pakistan said the country will send a security delegation to India in January to access whether it would be safe for its athletes to take part in the Games.

The reports quoted Pakistan Olympic Association Secretary General Khalid Mehmood as saying that a final decision of Pakistan's participation in the Games will be taken after the assessment of security scenario in India and after taking consent of the Pakistan government.

But, IOA officials said that they were not aware on any such development of Pakistan sending a security delegation to India.
"We are not aware of any such development. There should not be any issue on security of the athletes of any country. The (Indian) government has also assured foolproof security for all the athletes," a top IOA official said.
Asked if there was any discussion on security concerns raised by any participating country, an official who attended today's meeting said, "There should not be any such issue in Assam and Meghalaya. All the athletes will be safe and secure.