QUETTA, July 26: The federal government has approved a grant of Rs. 48 million for the preparation of National Games scheduled in Quetta in May next year.

The Provincial Sports Minister, Col. (Retd) Mohammad Younus told Dawn on Saturday that this amount would be used for the construction of indoor swimming pool, tartan track, improving football ground and providing other facilities to the players during National Games.

He had a meetings with concerned officials of Sports Ministry discussed the issue of financial and other related problems being faced by Balochistan in holding National Games.

However, he said that after sanction of funds by the federal government the Balochistan would be able to hold this national event in May next year.

He said that the construction of indoor swimming pool, tartan track and improvement of football ground would be started very soon and it would be completed by December this year.

He said that after section of grant and assuring tp provide other facilities the national games would not be shifted from Quetta.

He said that Federal Sports Ministry and other concerned official of various organizations have ensured their full help and cooperation in holding of National games next year.

He said that he also had a meeting with Director General Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), Brigadier Saulat and discussed issues pertaining to promotion of sports in Balochistan.

He informed him that due to lack of facilities sports could not be promoted in the province. The Director General PSB assured that Board would provide sports goods, boxing ring and Judo mat to Balochistan for National games.

The Balochistan Sports Minister also met with sports goods manufactures and informed them about the Balochistan’s requirements regarding national games. They assured that Balochistan would be provided all necessary sports goods in time.