HYDERABAD: Sindh Sports Minister Dr Mohammad Ali Shah has said that despite budgetary problems the 16th Sindh Games 2012 are being held in Hyderabad.

The provincial sports minister said that Rs15 million had been allocated for Sindh Games, but only Rs13 million could be released, adding that Rs17 million should have been allocated given rising inflation.

“It was my dream to hold Sindh Games in Hyderabad and it has come true,” the minister said while addressing a news conference on Sunday at the local press club.

He said that Sindh government had been successfully conducting the Games every year and it has so far organised five games during the last five years out of all 11 Games held since 1947.

Appreciating efforts of the local administration for extending full cooperation in arranging the Games, Dr Shah said if Sindh government conducts the Sindh Games in Niaz Stadium Hyderabad, the government must be allowed to do so.

The minister stated that there were budgetary issues this year, but he said he would try his level best to provide all facilities to players next time.

Talking about players belonging to rural areas, he maintained that he wanted to provide those players with opportunities who belong to far-flung areas.

Stating that the ongoing controversies in the national sports federations should not hinder conduct of such games, the Sindh Sports Minister lamented exclusion of body building competitions from the Games which would be televised live for the first time in the history of Sindh Games.

The Sports Minister also accused the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of ignoring Niaz Stadium Hyderabad, saying that the PCB is not paying attention to the stadium.

“Hyderabad is a safe city where international matches can be conducted but the PCB has adopted a step-motherly attitude towards Hyderabad,” the minister lamented.

He also criticised the PCB for holding the ongoing National Twenty20 Cup in Lahore instead of Karachi.

On the occasion, Sindh Rural Development Minister Zubair Ahmed Khan said that Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad had approved a special package of Rs260 million for development of sports and health facilities.