Chhattisgarh to host National Games in 2014

New Delhi: Chhattisgarh government on Monday signed a contract with Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for hosting the National Games in the state in 2014.

The contract for the 37th National Games was firmed up by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh and IOA chief Suresh Kalmadi here. “While international sporting events like Commonwealth Games, Olympics and Afro-Asian Games are held in bigger metro cities as they are equipped with world class infrastructure, hosting of National Games by various states helps in developing their physical infrastructure through sports,” Kalmadi told reporters. He said it would be a good opportunity for a young state like Chhattisgarh to develop its sports and other physical infrastructure while preparing to host the Games, and expressed hope that local sportspersons will be able to perform well.Singh on his part said the state would try and make the event memorable. The National Games, which are an annual affair, are to be held in Jharkhand later this year and then in Kerala and Goa, before taking place in Chhattisgarh in 2014. PTI