Focus on Games: Kalmadi suggests media

Terming reports that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was not keen to share dais with him on the opening ceremony of National Games as `wrong`, Suresh Kalmadi categorically said he would complete his term as president of the IOA.

Jamshedpur: Terming reports that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was not keen to share dais with him on

the opening ceremony of National Games as `wrong`, Suresh Kalmadi on Tuesday categorically said he would complete his term as president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). "The media reports are wrong. I don’t have any knowledge of PM`s visit. I am attending the opening ceremony of the 34th National Games on February 12," Kalmadi told newsmen when asked whether reports stating that the PM was not coming for the opening ceremony because of his presence were correct.Kalmadi was removed as chairman of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee last month in the interest of an impartial inquiry into allegations of large scale corruption in conducting the mega event in Delhi. "I will continue till the next election (scheduled after two years)," Kalmadi said when asked whether there was any possibility of election during the February 12 General Body meeting of the IOA in Ranchi in the aftermath of his removal as chairman of the Commonwealth Organising Committee. Kalmadi refused to reply queries on the CWG saying "We should focus on National Games (instead)." Accompanied by Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahay, he was here to inspect sporting infrastructure ahead of the games. "I can assure you that National Games, though delayed, will be one of the best in the country ever held," he claimed. The IOA, he added, was satisfied with the infrastructure in the steel city which would host five events -- archery, boxing, equestrian, women’s football and weightlifting. Most of the other 28 events will be held at Khelgaon in Ranchi. PTI