5th National Games : Sponsors not interested

Although the organisers of the V National Games, which is slated to be held in Imphal in the next month are now running from pillar to post to get a sponsor for the game, yet they insist that the games will be held as per schedule.

It seems uncertainty over holding the games is the main reason behind the lack of interests among the possible sponsors. Apathy towards the North-eastern region among a section of the sports officials have further compounded the situation.

To conduct the games, it is learnt that the organisers need at least Rs. 30 crore. Usually, the lion's share of this expenditure comes from the sponsor while the Central and the State Governments also contribute generously for such purpose. Now a days, selling the telecast rights also earn a substantial amount.

Last year when the games were postponed at the eleventh hour, it was more or less finalised that the India Oil Corporation (IOC) would sponsor the game. The deal was struck at Rs. 10 crore. The organisers then expected to manage the rest from the Central and State grants and by selling the TV rights.

But now it seems that the IOC has developed a cold feet towards the games. It is reliably learnt that the oil company has already expressed their inability in sponsoring the games. It has cited austerity measures as the reason.

The organisers then approached some other PSUs and multinational companies. While the organisers are maintaining that negotiations with those possible sponsors are still continuing, it appears that they have not been able to make much headway. Quite interestingly, the organisers at the same time are trying to convince the IOC bosses too.

In a contingency plan, the State Government has decided to borrow Rs. 30 crore from the HUDCO to bail out the organisers if they fail to find a sponsor. It will be a long term loan. If such situation arises, it will certainly put an extra burden on the fund-starved State Government. But, according to sources, for the State Government also there is no way out because if they fail to bail out the organisers, the very existence of the Nipamacha Singh-led coalition Government will be in danger as the sport-loving Manipuris will not tolerate a Government which cannot ensure smooth conduct of National Games.

On the other hand, the Central Government in principle has agreed to release a grant of Rs. 3000 crore to the organisers. The organisers had requested the concerned ministry to release the fund as early as possible.

Meanwhile, the stalemate over laying the astro-turf for the hockey stadium has ended. Three engineers of the German company, which has been entrusted with the job will be arriving Imphal shortly. It is being said that the hockey stadium will be completed within ten days of the arrival of the German experts.

The organisers have also requested the Union Government to expedite the process of issuing import licenses for some modern equipment required for the shooting competition. The OB van required for the direct telecast of the games will also be airlifted shortly from Delhi. while President K. R. Narayanan will declare the open, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee will be present in the closing ceremony. On both the occasions, the rich cultural heritage of the North-East will be exhibited through songs and dance.

''Come what may the games will be held as per schedule'' — Hemanta Singh

As the Vth National Games is just 20 days away, the man in the hot seat is none other than Manipur Sports Minister Hemanta Singh and no one knows it better than him. In his own words, “mine is a thankless job. While my head will be chopped off in case of any mismanagement during the Games, no one will give me any credit if it passes of smoothly.”

Recently, Hemanta Singh was in Delhi to discuss few finer details about conducting the Games smoothly with the Central Government and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) officials. In between meetings with the officials, in an interview with the North East News Agency he expressed confidence about holding the National Games successfully in Manipur.

Excerpts of the interview:

North East News Agency: Will the National Games be held as per schedule?

Hemanta Singh : Why not. Everything is ready. We are now busy is providing final touches. That will also be completed at least seven days before the Games. We are ready. So the question of further postponement of the Games does not arise.

NENA : But the hockey stadium is not ready yet.

H.S.: You are partially correct. The stadium is ready. What is pending is the laying of astro-turf. But the firm, which has been entrusted with the job, has informed us that they are sending people to lay the turf. Within next few days they will arrive in Imphal. So, we are hopeful that it will also be ready by the time the game starts.

NENA : Why couldn't it be readied earlier?

H.S.: Actually, there were lot of complications. There was no problem from our side, but the firm, which took the contract had some problems. The firm was closed for a long time. The the ownership of the firm got changed. Finally, we had to approach the manufacturer. with its intervention everything got settled. Now, there is no problem.

NENA : No one seems to be willing to sponsor the game.

H.S.: I would not comment regarding the sponsorship. That is for the Manipur Olympic Association (MOA) and its office-bearers to decide. I have no knowledge regarding this.

NENA : There was some trouble between the State Government and the MOA. What you have to say about this?

H.S.: As I told you earlier, there was no misunderstanding between the State Government and the
MOA. Some people with vested interests spread this rumour. Apparently there aim was to stall the Games. But their efforts have failed. Come what may, the Games will be held as per schedule.

NENA : Can you name those people who tried to create hurdles?

H.S.: This is not the right time to reveal all the details. Let the Games be over smoothly, I will tell you all.

NENA : Is the Games village complete? When the Games was postponed last time it was not ready.

H.S.: Now it is ready. We have constructed 800 houses. Everything is complete. I am sure we will not receive any complaint regarding accommodation.

NENA : According to you how the Manipuri sportspersons will fare in the Games?

H.S.: There will definitely be a better performance by the the Manipuri sportspersons. We are already among the top five states in the country in sports. I can assure you that the Manipuri sportspersons will leave no stone unturned to keep that reputation in tact. But as you are aware that luck plays a crucial role in sports. With little bit of luck, who knows that we may move in to the top three. The sportspersons are keen to perform which is a good sign.

NENA : How far Dingko's success have inspired the Manipuri sportspersons?

H.S.: Tremendously. Dingko's success has enhanced the morale of our sportspersons. Now they have started to believe that in sports they are not inferior to anyone.