LAHORE: The 33rd National Games — the country’s biggest sporting gala — which were due to be staged in October have once again been postponed due to delay in release of funds by Balochistan government.

According to a press release issued by the Pakistan Olympic Assoc­iation (POA) on Saturday, the Games which were earlier scheduled to be organised in Quetta from Oct 7-14 have been postponed, and would now most likely be staged from Nov 18-26.

“I take this opportunity to inform that due to late release of funds by the Gover­nment of Balochistan, the 33rd National Games, Quetta are being postponed till the third week of Nove­mber, 2017,” a short press release issued by POA secretary Khalid Mahmood read.

“A POA delegation, headed by its president retired Lt Gen Syed Arif Hasan, is calling upon H.E. Nawab Sanaullah Khan Zehri, Chief Minister, and Government of Balochistan on Sept 25, 2017 to discuss arrangements of the Games.

“The POA shall notify the final schedule of the 33rd National Games after meeting with Chief Minister, Government of Balochistan. The Games are now expected to be held between Nov 18 and 26, 2017 Insha’Allah,” the press release added.

The Games were allocated to Balochistan after the end of the 32nd National Games in Lahore in 2012.

The province was to hold the Games in 2014. However, for one reason or the other they have been postponed.

Published in Dawn, September 24th, 2017