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Afro-Asian Games shifted to Delhi, 2001

The first Afro-Asian Games slated for 2001 will now be held in New Delhi, according to Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi, MP.

Addressing a press conference in Pune today to review the performance of the Indian contingent at the 13^th Asian Games in Bangkok, Kalmadi attributed the results to long-term planning. He claimed the haul of 35 medals was good, particularly in athletics.

He said the Games had cheered up India, especially because of the resurgence of the men's and women's hockey teams. While the men regained the top spot in Asia after 32 years, the women failed narrowly in their quest for gold.

Regarding the maiden Afro-Asian Games, earlier scheduled to be held in Pune in 1999, he said six disciplines -- athletics, swimming, football, shooting, tennis, and probably boxing -- would be included.

Justifying the shift in the venue, Kalmadi said it was done because Poona does not have an international airport. Though the state government had a plan, after the third National Games were held in Pune in 1994, to build an air strip next to the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports City at Balewadi, the plan was shelved after the government in the state changed, he said.

Kalmadi also disclosed that India had made a strong bid to host the 2006 Asian Games in Bombay. The IOA made the bid after Maharashtra Chief Minister Manohar Joshi made a request to host the games in Bombay. Poona, which is just 160km away from Bombay, will be the follow-up venue for some of the disciplines.

The venue will be decided at the Asian Olympic Committee meeting to be held next year. Bombay has an edge as it has the most modern infrastructure. The opening and closing ceremonies will be held at the Wankhede Stadium. Major events like hockey, soccer, tennis, shooting and other sports will also be held in the city, Kalmadi said.

Kalmadi also asked the Union government to give monetary awards to medal winners at the recent Commonwealth Games at Kuala Lumpur. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had recently announced cash awards of Rs 500,000, Rs 300,000 and Rs 200,000 for the gold, silver, and bronze medal winners, respectively, at the Asian Games.

Kalmadi himself announced an award of Rs 100,000 from the Pune International Marathon Trust, of which he is chairman, to Dhanraj Pillay, captain of the victorious men's hockey team. He also appealed to like-minded people and industries to make suitable contributions for the India captain.

Regarding the National Games to be held in Manipur from February 14 to 24, Kalmadi said all facilities are ready except for the hockey stadium which will be completed within a month.

UNI