IOA blames Algerian federation for postponement of Afro-Asian Games

New Delhi, July 24 (UNI) A disappointed Indian Olympic Association (IOA) today squarely blamed their Algerian counterpart's ''lack of initiative'' for the indefinite postponement of the Afro-Asian Games in Algiers.

The Games was to be held from July 26 and August 3 but the Organising Committee had informed the participating national federations, including IOA, that they were postponing the Games.

The reason given for the postponment was lukewarm response from the Asian nations.

But, IOA President Suresh Kalmadi, who was the main driving force to inaugurate the Games in Hyderabad in 2003, said the Afro-Asian Organising Committee were not ready to provide necessary facilities to attract enough participants and they did not even inform how to reach to the venue.

''They have sent us a letter saying the Games have been postponed without giving any reasons,'' Kalmadi said.

''They said the next date will be announced later. It is actually the lack of initiative by the Organising Committee,'' he said.

''When we hosted the event we provided the necessary logistics for the successful performance of the event, but it seems they are not just not interested,'' Kalmadi said.

Algiers hosted All-African Games from July 11 to 23 and IOA officials said logistical problem was the main reason behind the postponment.

''Algiers was not in a position to host the Games involving the two continents three days after the Africa Games,'' said an official.

Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) as well as IOA Secretary General Randhir Singh had expressed disappointment at the postponment.

''We are disappointed by the development but the Games will be held in Africa only. I am sure Africa will be able to find a venue soon,'' he said.

The second Afro-Asian Games had run into trouble from the very beginning with reports pointing to lack of interest among top athletes to take part in it. Only around 200 athletes reportedly confirmed participation which was just not enough to stage the event of this stature.

The inaugural Games in Hyderabad had attracted around 2,000 competitors.

UNI