LAHORE, Jan 14: Around 2800 competitors and officials will represent their respective districts in 18 disciplines in the 69th Punjab Games scheduled to begin from Feb 28 to March 2.

Punjab Olympic Association secretary, Khawaja Idrees Haider, told reporters after attending the general council meeting that various decisions had been taken to make the games successful.

He explained that a total amount of Rs five million was required to hold the Games but sponsors were not available.

He added that the organisers would be responsible for  boarding and lodging of all participating contingents.

Idrees admitted that the dates of the Games were clashing with the World Cup cricket tournament in South Africa and Zimbabwe from Feb 8 to March 23, but expressed the hope that the games would still attract a lot of spectators.

He said the inclusion of handball, judo and rowing in the Games was also being considered as their associations had requested for it, but the final decision would be taken by the chief secretary, Punjab.

The 18 disciplines are athletics, boxing, baseball, badminton, body building, cycling, football, gymnastic, hockey, karate, kabaddi, rifle shooting, swimming, squash, table tennis, volleyball, weightlifting and wrestling.