SA Games in danger
View(s):By Bandula Molligoda
Nepal has shown willingness to host the 2013 South Asian Games (SA) as India has already lost their bid, following a ban imposed on the Indian Olympic Committee by the International Olympic Committee.
The games were originally scheduled to be worked off in New Delhi during February but a ban on their Olympic Committee due to political interference in sports has spoiled their chances.
However, Nepal will come forward to host the event only if India provides the necessary financial backing amounting to Sri Lankan Rs. 500 million.
The experts meanwhile pointed out that the lack of facilities in Nepal to host an event of this magnitude could degrade the performance level of the sportsmen and sportswomen, who are certain to face a number of difficulties.
In fact, if India hosted the event they would have had the opportunity of conducting as many as 21 disciplines but Nepal has the facilities for conducting only 13 sporting events.
Those in the know also believe that if the games are to prosper they should be hosted by India, Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka as all four countries are equipped with international standard modern facilities.
The bulk of the sponsorship will be for the opening ceremony, closing ceremony and the accommodation of athletes and other officials, who number over 1500.
Meanwhile negotiations are underway to conduct the games on a low-profile with a low cost opening ceremony and a closing ceremony comprising only military bands.
India is currently negotiating with the IOC to lift their ban but observers believe that whoever hosts the event will take at least one year to make all the necessary preparations.
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