KARACHI, April 6: The estimated budget of 30th National Games has increased manifold – from Rs50 million to Rs70 million – on the pretext of increasing daily allowance of players and officials besides making boarding and lodging arrangements for four outfits who are not affiliated with the Pakistan Olympics Association (POA).

“Without taking the hosts into confidence, the PSB on their own granted participation rights to Islamabad, Fata, Northern Areas and AJK thus putting an additional burden on our shoulders,” Sindh Sports Minister Qamar Mansoor told a press conference on Friday.

Condemning the attitude, he said a written request dated Dec 12 last to PSB high ups for substantial increase in the games’ grant from Rs5 million also fell on deaf ears. They have released Rs3 million so far, he lamented.

Showering praise on the POA/PST chief, Lt Gen Syed Arif Hasan, the Minister said he (Arif) came to the rescue by pledging Rs20 million sponsorship deals for the games.

“Most of the sponsors who spent a big chunk of money on the cricket World Cup have backed out to support us after Pakistan’s first-round debacle,” he said when asked what arrangements has he made to overcome the financial constraints.

He disclosed the Sindh Governor, Chief Minister and Chief Secretary have assured their blessings towards organising the games in a befitting manner. In addition, there are couple of firms who will be co-sponsors, he said.

He also dwelt on arrangements which, according to him, are getting final shape.

“Banners will be put across the city to give it a festive look and create hype for the biennial event,” he remarked.

He said women athletes will be lodged at Haji Camp in air-conditioned rooms.

The minister termed the games as biggest in terms of disciplines and participation of athletes.

The main media centre has been setup in the same building which also housed his office and games secretariat.

He also named veteran organiser Shoaib Usmani as chef-de-mission of the Sindh contingent. Tahir Khanzada will be his deputy. Sohail Anwar will act as secretary contingent. Other officials are Zahid Rizvi (games coordinator), Ahson Khan (media coordinator) and Khalid Rehmani (treasurer).