Sunil Rajbanshi, general secretary of the association, informed that the association is set to select altogether 22 players (11 men and 11 women) for the SAG slated for February 6-16 in India. The association has already selected marathoners by organizing the 42-km race in the Eastern region as a part of the Seventh National Games."We want to select at least 22 players, including 11 female athletes for the SAG. However, we are planning to select more players if the National Sports Council (NSC) allows. We selected marathoners, including two men and two women, for the closed camp," said Rajbanshi on Monday.
The association is holding the selection event for the SAG after the NSC re-scheduled the date of the Seventh National Games citing unavailability of budget from the government on time as well as the current crisis in the country.
The national games were scheduled to be held in Eastern Region from November 27 to December 4. However, the NSC announced to organize the games from March 1-6 next year. The national games could have served as selection event for the SAG.
With the rescheduled of the national games, most of the associations will have to select players through selection events. As per the decision of the NSC, the sports associations are set to hold national selection games.
The athletics association will hold 5000 m, 800 m, 400 m and 100 m races for both men's and women's categories as well as javelin through and high jump on December 3.
Similarly, 100 m hurdles, 400 m hurdles, long jump and shot put for both men and women will be held on December 4, while 200 m, 1500 m and 10,000 m races as well as triple jump and discuss throw will be organized on December 5, as per the schedules of the association.
Selection without budget
According to Rajbanshi, the association is yet to receive budget for the selection event from the NSC.
"We have not received budget from the sports' governing body for the selection yet. However, we will organize the event on our own expense," informed Rajbanshi. He added that the association will not have to bear huge financial burden as the event will not cost much.
He also informed that the event will be open for everyone interested to participate but they have to bear their own expenses.
"As the event is open selection tournament, the participants will have to bear their own expenses," he said.
After the selection game, the association will hold the closed-camp training, according to Rajbanshi.
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