Over a month has passed since the dates for the 38th National Games were set, and now, with only 77 days remaining, preparations appear to be stagnating. Despite repeated announcements, athlete training camps are yet to start, leaving organizers scrambling as the much-anticipated games draw closer. The delay? A minor amendment in a government order, but one that has led to significant setbacks, potentially dampening host morale and fueling internal friction.
For days now, officials from the Directorate of Sports have optimistically claimed that the revised government order could arrive “any moment.” On Friday, there were high hopes that the order would be issued by evening. When that failed, Saturday morning seemed promising. In anticipation, a key meeting was scheduled between the Directorate of Sports and the Uttarakhand Olympic Association to set camp dates. But the lack of updated directives turned the meeting into yet another unproductive session.
National-Level Athletes Engaged in Other Competitions
The responsibility of hosting the games falls to the Indian Olympic Association, Uttarakhand Olympic Association, and the state government. However, conflicting statements from these entities have muddied the waters. While the government and sports directorate claim it’s up to the Olympic Association to organize camps, the Association argues that without the necessary amendments, it cannot proceed with scheduling.
Furthermore, some sports officials argue that even if a date were set, immediate organization is unlikely, as many national-level athletes are already committed to international competitions or tied to jobs in their home states. The time needed to assemble athletes in Uttarakhand adds another layer of complication, but officials remain hopeful that the revised order will arrive in time.
Announcements Postponed Again and Again
The original announcement for the National Games came on October 9, with assurances that camps would promptly follow. Yet, the initial camp schedule, set for October 26, was postponed. The next promise was for camps immediately after Diwali, but that too has proven elusive. With dwindling time, the government claims it is amending previous orders to adjust timelines, but with no official action yet, it raises serious concerns about the commitment to these critical preparations.
The clock is ticking, and with each delay, doubts are mounting over whether the organizing bodies can fulfill their responsibilities to the athletes and uphold the prestige of the games.
