Not possible to host National Games in November: CM

The government has expressed its inability to host the much-delayed National Games in November this year citing that the State requires at least five months preparation time after announcement of the dates. The Indian Olympics Association (IOA), that was approached in May to give the schedule, has not yet done so. 
“The IOA has not given the dates for the Games till date. We require minimum five months’ time after the dates are announced because we have to issue tenders for various works as well as procurement of equipment from abroad,” Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said on the floor of the House during the Question Hour on Wednesday. 
“It is not possible to host the National Games in November. Besides the tendering processes, our teams have not started practicing for the event. It takes at least four to five months to prepare for the Games. The coach is also not taken onboard yet,” he added, replying to a volley of questions tabled by BJP MLA Wilfred D’Sa as well as Leader of the Opposition Digambar Kamat and MGP MLA Ramkrishna Dhavalikar. 
Sawant informed the Legislative Assembly that in May the State government had asked the IOA to allot dates to host the Games. It will now request the IOA to schedule the Games after Janaury 2020. 
Sports Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar, on the other hand, said they are ready to host the Games and the infrastructure in the State would be ready by August. He, however, explained to the House that with no final dates announced, the contractors are reluctant to bid for the tenders. “Tenders are required to arrange for accommodation (of the athletes), transportation, catering, equipment, etc. Nine tenders have been cancelled because the bidders want the dates of the event,” he said. 

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