The State capital has lost an opportunity to host an international athletic meet for the first time ever. Delhi has shown a keen interest in hosting the event and may soon give a green signal to 20th Asian Athletic Championship. Ranchi was to have hosted the event on behalf of the Athletic Federation of India.
Jharkhand Athletic Association was intimated about the event in February-end.
Talking to The Pioneer, newly elected AFI secretary CK Valson said "We gave to the State government a presentation and did whatever was necessary for the event. On April 15, we received a written statement from Jharkhand Athletic Association that they would not be in a position to conduct the championship. Though they have not cited any reason for this. "We cannot host the game because of infeasibility," the JAA wrote.
"We cannot be hanging on to one unit since we have to send the entries to International Athletic Federation within three months. We cannot keep holding on to one issue because we get a number of calls from our international body," added Valson.
AFI had approached Delhi also. Valson said "Delhi, I think, should be able to give us confirmation within a day or two. We are waiting for their response. Delhi has agreed in principle, but they have to go through the logistics of conducting the game."
Explaining the State's helplessness, Arts, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary Ajoy Kumar Singh said "there is no such specified reason, but in the State's interest, we have decided not to host the event here. The State has difficulties like security issues, logistical, transport, besides climatic conditions."
It may be mentioned that the State had contributed greatly to the athletics in general and national levels game in particular. Madukant Pathak, general secretary of Jharkhand Athletic Association had given the application for this proposal. He said "Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit agreed to host the game following just one presentation by AFI. We had been trying to organise the game since February 23."
As per sources, it was because of "lack lustre approach of the government that it (the State) missed a golden chance despite having a perfect infrastructure. Forty-five countries would have participated in this ten-day event. The overall expenditure would have come to around 12 crores.
This raises questions on the ability of State. It is an international game where 600 participants would have come. It remains a moot point how the State would hold the South Asian Federation (SAF) Games which includes games like football and hockey.