National Games appears set to meet schedule

There were definitely more doubters than believers. And the fourth National Games allotted to Karnataka, it seems was more in the news for all the wrong reasons. Rescheduling, postponing were very frequently used words in this connection. But a visit to the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, the main venue for the 12-day long extravaganza, does put to rest any qualms regarding a prompt start to the event.

The synthetic track has been laid at the Kanteerava Stadium with the `Calcutta grass’ lending the right amount amount of contrast to the brick-red track which is ready for marking. A 200 metre warm-up track is getting ready outside the Stadium. “This practice track will be either cinder or clay right now,” said Somashekarappa but hastened to add that it would be converted to synthetic track at a later date.

The giant scoreboard measuring 12.5 metres x 7 metres with colour video matrix, has been installed and is being tested. The score-board with PAL and NTSC output and input is said to be the first of its kind in India.

The Stadium is already beginning to be a hub of activity as is wont to happen before a major event. The media centre has begun functioning and accreditation forms for media personnel are being dispatched. The coaching camps have begun.

Even as officials were preparing for the Indian Olympic Association meeting on May 6, R Rathan Singh, Vice-Chairman , Sports Authority of Karnataka has sent a letter to the Karnataka State Billiards Association secretary T Srinivas asking for details regarding the conduct of billiards and snooker which will be demonstration sports at these Games. Billiards will be held between June 1 and 5 while snooker will be held between June 5 and 10.

Srinivas was quite predictably excited about this turn of events, especially since it will be a medal sport at the next Olympics. “A medal is a novelty in billiards and snooker and our players are looking forward eagerly to be a part of the scenario. A medal means a lot to them,” he said.

However, the Cycling Federation of India struck a note of dissent. In a strongly-worded letter to the Secretary General of the KOA, J S Grewal, secretary CFI said that it was not acceptable to have only road races. Demanding that the event be staged in a proper velodrome and as a competition, the CFI threatened to pull out from the event otherwise. “Any cyclist participating in the Games will be punished,” says the letter. However Somashekarappa was hopeful that the Cycling Federation would come round and the event will be held as scheduled. “The Cycling Federation itself conducts its nationals, one on the road and the other at the velodrome. These minor irritants will be sorted out and I am confident that everything will fall in place,” he added.