SAG chefs de missions hold meeting in Shillong

From OUR Correspondent

Shillong, Jan 12: The desigted Chef-de-Missions of the participating countries for the forthcoming 12th South Asian Games are in the city to inspect the venues on Wednesday.

On the eve of the inspection, the Chefs De Mission of the eight participating countries on Tuesday had a meeting with the organizing committee of the South Asian Games wherein they were given a presentation of the preparedness of the city to hold the regiol games.

According to the CEO of SAG, RK Sharma the Chefs De Mission were given a presentation on the accommodation, security, transportation, medical facilities and the games preparation.

According to Sharma the representatives of the participating teams enquired on accommodation and food.

“They were concerned about the oily foods. They even expressed apprehension over the movement of their athletes due to the traffic srl in the city,” the CEO said.

Sharma also said that there are “unfounded” rumours over the shortage of accommodation for the officials, athletes and those visiting the games.

“These are unfounded rumours and kite flying. We are absolutely certain and know what we are doing. We know the required number of rooms required, budget,” he said.

He also said that the organizing committee is contemplating to house athletes in one compact area “as far as possible”.

The organizing committee of the SAG is also targeting January 15 for the completion of providing infrastructures in the venues and by January 26 it will take over.

It may be mentioned that the seven events which will be held in Shillong will be held at SAI’s Special Area Games (SAG) in NEHU, JN Stadium, the indoor stadium at Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, NEIGRIHMS and Assam Rifles.

Sharma, however said that the venue in Assam Rifles which will host Wushu has not be filized yet.

“The venue is already in a state of readiness. But it is a little far away from town,” he said.

The SAG, CEO said that travelling to the venue will take approximately 45 minutes to one hour during the day.

“We may use pilot escorts (to ferry the athletes, officials). We will take a fil call on this soon. As of now the venue has not be frozen (filized) yet,” Sharma said.

Meanwhile, joint CEO of the SAG FR Kharkongor, said that the 12th Edition of the SAG will see the maximum participation of females athletes.

“There are many new disciplines introduced for women. It is a gender equal games,” Kharkongor said.

According to the organisers 3700 athletes will be participating in these games.