Decision on SAF Games participation on Monday

Though the Indian Olympic Association has maintained that India will participate in the South Asian Federation Games, to be held in Islamabad from October 6 to 16, the Sports Ministry on Saturday said a final decision on sending a contingent would be taken only on Monday.

The External Affairs Ministry had earlier cleared India's participation in the regional Games but doubts are now being raised over the possibility of the Games being staged as scheduled due to security concerns in the region following the terrorists strikes in the United States.

Pakistan, however, has insisted that the Games are on.

Sports Minister Uma Bharti on Saturday said the situation has compelled a re-look at India's participation.

"I have written to the MEA [Ministry of External Affairs] afresh and I am expecting a reply from them on Monday," she said.

Bharti said she had earlier decided to personally lead a strong 300-plus Indian contingent for the SAF Games but the situation has completely changed now. She said there are informal suggestions that the Games are off.

IOA president Suresh Kalmadi said he is getting calls from the Pakistan Olympic Association everyday saying the Games will be held as per schedule and whether India is sending its team.

Kalmadi had said on Thursday that as long as the Games are not postponed, India will participate. "The Games are on. And we will participate... The Pakistan Olympic Association has informed us [IOA] that the Games would go ahead as scheduled," Kalmadi had said.