KATHMANDU, July 23: The Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC) on Sunday said that it will be able to organize the 13th South Asian Games (SAG) on time and in a systematic manner.
The South Asian Olympic Council met on Saturday to decide on two agendas for the SAG: to add two more games in this edition of the games and to amend the statute of the council. There was a protracted discussion over the latter agenda.
“The meeting decided to make all efforts to organize the game on time and in a systematic manner. We should focus on the norms of the international federations while organizing the games,” said Jeevan Ram Shrestha, president of the NOC. “The games should be hosted in consultation with the National Sports Council (NSC), the Ministry of Youth and Sports and other government agencies.’’
SAG date to be finalized Saturday
“Cricket is in national spotlight at the moment. We considered the views of the general public, and also respected the government priorities,” Shrestha added. “We had already decided to add 25 games in the last meeting. We added two new games this time -- cricket and paragliding -- which means we can participate in more games. This is the liberty the organizers get.”
Shrestha also added that they discussed statute amendment, and concluded that if any changes or suggestion is to be made by the federations of other South Asian countries, they have to submit it by August 10. The next meeting of the council is scheduled for August 19 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
“The first South Asian Games were held in Nepal. The statute was made back then, and the same is being used till now. It needs many amendments, so we discussed on that.’’
“The other things we talked about in the meeting was the changing of the election system, formation of the South Asian board and the executive board,” Shrestha said. “We also discussed about marketing strategies for the sustainability of the South Asian Olympic Council.”
Shrestha said the committee is working with the concerned government authorities for the reconstruction and renovation of stadiums.
“We have made sure that the works of reconstruction and renovation of the stadiums will be completed before the games are held. We have committed to finish the work by September, but if it does not get completed by that time, we have alternative stadium in Pokhara. So, we are sure that the games will be organized smoothly on time,’’
Shrestha said.
