Railways wrestlers without pay, referees to receive TA and DA

STAGE is set for the National Games in Uttarakhand. A grand Opening Ceremony on Tuesday will mark the first day of the January 28-February 14 multi-discipline domestic mega event.

- FIROZ MIRZA @Chennai

STAGE is set for the National Games in Uttarakhand. A grand Opening Ceremony on Tuesday will mark the first day of the January 28-February 14 multi-discipline domestic mega event. However, the hosting of the Games in January-February when most top players are in early training mode and some junior players preparing for their board exams, has drawn some criticism for timings. And as expected top players will be giving the event a pass.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will declare the Games Open where 32 disciplines are going to be played. Players have already started trickling in. The sporting event will mark the 25th year of formation of the state.

The early teething issues regarding venues and selection of athletes too were slowly settling down. Swimming had their issues too with the venue and hosting of athletes, but the authorities have assured them that all outstanding issues would be addressed. If the number of participants as listed out by the organisers are to be believed, then it could well be one of the largest congregations of athletes. The number could well surpass 10,000.

The sporting events will be held in across seven cities in the state - Haridwar, Nainital, Haldwani, Rudrapur, Shivpuri and New Tehri.