Chandigarh Olympic Association to discuss State Games on August 30

Deepankar Sharda
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, August 26

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Having not organised a single tourney in their current term of four years, the Chandigarh Olympic Association (COA) has called upon their annual general meeting on August 30 to decide on the dates for organising the Chandigarh State Games amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite having a dedicated office at Sector 44, the COA has conveyed to its members that the meeting will be held at a five-star hotel in the Industrial Area. “This refers to an earlier letter dated March 26, 2020, regarding postponing of executive committee meeting and annual general meeting of the COA due to the lockdown in the city. The meeting shall be held on August 30 (5 pm) at Hotel Hyatt Regency. Agenda: Confirmation of last meeting, financial status of association- treasurer report, general secretary report, affiliation/disaffiliation of association, to finalise dates for the Chandigarh State Games, to finalise dates for election for next term keeping in view Covid-19 and any other point with the permission of chair,” stated the circular. The meeting is also important as the next elections of the COA are scheduled in November. The house will not only discuss about the election dates, but will also look into affiliation/disaffiliation process of the associations, as only affiliated units have the right to choose the next house.

Earlier this year, the COA proposed to seek approval of the house for organising the State Games from August 23 to 27. The last event the COA had organised was in 2012 by the name of ‘Mini Olympics’, a sponsored event, while the full-fledged State Games were held in October 2005. “There’s is uncertainty over conducting championship and even elections. The elections can be preponed to October or September. We will take decision as per the situation,” said Maha Singh, general secretary, COA.

Grants, tracksuits for meritorious sportspersons

The association has reportedly distributed a grant of Rs10,000 to associations/players and also announced to give tracksuits to meritorious sportspersons, which is perhaps for the first time in these four years ahead of its elections. Maha Singh said, “Earlier, they (players) used to practice, but now they do only physical activity so they must need money for diet.”