IOA waiting; Govt says Games off

Even as Indian Olympic Association was still awaiting an official word over the postponement of the Afro-Asian Games, sources in the Government said on Saturday the matter was already settled and the postponement was final.

IOA has been informed and, if necessary, a written communication can also be sent to them. The Games, which were scheduled to be held here from November 3 to 11, are definitely off, the sources said.

However, in an effort to salvage the Games, IOA President Suresh Kalmadi was still trying to meet Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee but had been unsuccessful so far.

The Cabinet Committee on Security had on Thursday recommended the postponement of the inaugural Afro-Asian Games in view of security concerns in the region following the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the IOA, itself seems to have a divided opinion on the issue with one faction reportedly favouring the rescheduling of the Games in March next year while another insisting that they be held in November itself.

If postponed, March is the only time the Games can possibily be held next year, which also has the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games lined up later.

There is said to be yet another group within IOA, which feels the present format of the Afro-Asian Games, which envisages competition between the two continents and not the individual countries, is flawed. "Its very silly to see the flag of Olympic Council of Asia go up when an Indian wins a medal," a senior IOA official said.