Kerala strong contender for 35th National Games

Guwahati, Feb 11 (UNI) Kerala would be bidding for the 35th edition of the National Games and the southen state considers itself a strong contender with ready infrastructure and previous experience.

Talking to UNI today on the sidelines of the 33rd National Games here, chef-de-mission of the Kerela contingent S Rajeev said, ''Kerala will be bidding for the 35th Games. We hope to win the bid, though we will be facing competition from other states as Indian Olympic Association sources have indicated that other states are also vying for the honour.'' ''A final announcement is expected by the year end,'' he added.

The 34th National Games would be hosted by Jharkhand in November this year and a confirmation of the next edition is likely during the Games.

Mr Rajeev, also a national referee of aquatic events, said the state had ready infrastructure, with only a bit of upgradation necessary in certain aspects.

''The state had hosted the Games earlier in 1987. If we win the bid, we will have to organise the Games by 2010, which will be possible for us,'' he added.

He also informed that the state government was eager to host the Games before its term expires in 2011.

He pointed out that the state had hosted the 1987 Games, spread over three districts, in the main cities of Trivandrum, Cochin and Calicut. ''These places already have the basic facilities and upgradation of these is already on,'' he added.

Trivandrum already had three modren indoor stadiums, with work for laying synthetic tracks going on in Trivandrum and Cochin.

Swimming facilities were also being upgraded in Trivandrum, he added.

The chef-de-mission further said the only major facility that would be needed to be developed was a Games Village.

''During the 1987 Games, we managed through housing board facilities. A Games Village will have to be built if we win the bid for the 35th Games,'' he said.

''The SAI centre in Trivandrum also has adequate facilities which would be employed for the Games,'' he added.

UNI