10 September 2004	Friday	24 Rajab 1425

QUETTA, Sept 9: Arrangements for the National Games being held here from Sept 30 to Oct 5, would be completed by Sept 25, this was stated by the organizing secretary Malik Mohammad Afzal Awan on Thursday.

He said a total of 5,000 players including technical delegates would participate in 25 different sports events. Sailing, rowing and swimming would be conducted in Karachi and Islamabad, he added.

The games would be held at 25 venues, he said, adding that 80 per cent work of repairing and renovation at these venues has been completed. Balochistan Government has provided a fund of Rs 9.5 million for holding the games that would be spent on purchase of players' uniforms and various sports equipment and articles, he said, adding that the tenders have been called in this regard from the contractors.

"This is the first time when the provincial government is purchasing the sports equipment and articles", he informed. "We are searching for sponsorship of the National Games, as we are facing a shortfall of Rs 13.96 million for meeting the required fund to hold the events", he informed.

The boarding, lodging and transportation facilities of all the players except those belonging to various national organizations would be provided by the organizing institution, Pakistan Olypics Association, he maintained. -APP