National Games’ security beefed up

Athletes to stay in schools, colleges instead of hotels.

KARACHI: The National Games organisers are going all out to ensure fool-proof security for the event and have rendered the services of Pakistan Army that will work with the police to guarantee a smooth running of the event.

National Games, scheduled to be held from December 25 to 31, have been postponed three times due to security issues.

“We’ve requested the army which is working with the police to prepare a strict security plan,” National Games Organising Secretary Zulfiqar Butt told The Express Tribune. “We are confident that the event will be a success as all the stake holders are fulfilling their responsibility.”

Athletes’ accommodation plan revised

The organisers have also changed the accommodation plan for the athletes who will take part in the event following instructions by the security personnel.

“The athletes will stay at schools and colleges near the stadium, instead of hotels,” said Zulfiqar who is also the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Olympic Association (K-POA) Secretary.

Over 3,000 athletes are expected to take part in the event. Zulfiqar added that the K-POA had to bear huge losses due to the cancelled reservations at hotels.

‘Arrangements on track’

Meanwhile, the K-POA President Syed Aaqil Shah said all arrangements are on track to hold the National Games in a befitting manner. “The arrangements are on track and I am satisfied with the preparations,” said Shah, also a Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa sports minister.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 16^th, 2010.