January 12, 2007	Friday	Zilhaj 21, 1427

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KARACHI, Jan 11: The preparations for the 30th National Games have finally picked up momentum after Pakistan Sports Trust (PST) dolled out a sum of Rs2 million to cash-starved Sindh Olympic Association (SOA).

Though the money, which is part of the Rs20 million sponsorship deal inked between Sindh Sports Minister Qamar Mansoor and PST chief General Arif Hassan, arrived fairly late yet at the same time has infused a new spirit among the volunteers.

The biennial games which were postponed for a month are now likely to be held from March 11 to 16.

A beautiful logo highlighting Indus River Blind Dolphin has been designed for the spectacular event.

The advertising campaign on a mass scale would be launched once the authorities approve the revised dates and logo, SOA president, Fakir Ayazuddin, told Dawn on Thursday.

Formal request would be made to Prime Minister and President to grace the opening and closing ceremonies of the games.

Responding to a question he sounds optimistic about his negotiations going on with a multi national bank to play a role in the success of the games.

Meanwhile, provincial sports associations have submitted their budget proposals for holding camps in the games secretariat which is housed in the office of the Sindh Sports Minister.