LAHORE: The 33rd edition of the National Games will be organised on time this year, from October 07 to 14, 2017 in Quetta and the decision is final, Pakistan Olympic Association president Lt Gen (r) Syed Arif Hasan told reporters, after a high level meeting regarding the National Games, during a press conference at a local hotel here Monday. Also present on the occasion were POA secretary general Muhammad Khalid Mahmood, Balochistan sports secretary Mehboob Ahmed, along with his team of Balochistan Sports Board, general secretaries of the concerned National Sports Federations along with representatives of the participating units and officials of the Pakistan Sports Board. Arif told media that the meeting also discussed the technical and administrative requirements of the 33rd National Games. “The mega event will be participated by all affiliated units of the Pakistan Olympic Association belonging to all parts of the country,” added Arif. “The POA will extend all out cooperation to the organisers for the successful holding of the Games.” Arif said Pakistan Army had also given security green signal for holding of the mega event in Balochistan. He added that Provincial Sports Associations of Balochistan, National Sports Federations recognised by the International Federations concerned and the Pakistan Olympic Association would only be the legitimate representatives of the National Games. “The national federations who are violators of the Olympic Charter have been given two weeks deadline to withdraw their cases – against the POA – from the courts of law otherwise they won’t be allowed to participate in the National Games,” maintained Arif. Balochistan sports secretary Mehboob Ahmed said the Balochistan government had earmarked a hefty amount for the 33rd National Games. “The budget was also discussed in the meeting. And for renovation of various venues for the National Games, separate amounts will be allocated,” he added. Arif added that the Pakistan Sports Board would shift all sports gear to Quetta for a smooth conduct of the National Games. “I hope the Pakistan Government will also allocate enough funds for successful holding of the National Games,” he concluded. Published in Daily Times, July 4th , 2017.