Chief minister Madhu Koda greets Mahendra Singh Dhoni at the CM’s residence before the Team India wicketkeeper left for the World Cup camp. Picture by Prashant Mitra

Ranchi, Feb. 25: Having registered his name in the Limca Book of Records, chief minister Madhu Koda’s principal challenge now is to host the National Games this year.

After receiving the flag for hosting the 34th National Games, the state government has started constituting various organising committees.

Last week, Koda had detailed discussion with Jharkhand Olympic Association chief R.K. Anand in Delhi. Earlier, Koda’s predecessor Arjun Munda, too, had formed a 150-member committee. Koda has added 30 new members to these committees.

“We have ensured sizeable representations by Arjuna awardees and other sports personalities belonging to different parts of the country, social workers and businessmen among others. We will follow the Guwahati pattern,” Koda told The Telegraph.

However, these committees are yet to be notified by the Raj Bhavan. Last evening, Koda hurriedly downloaded details of the just concluded 33rd National Games from its website and directed officials to work out modalities accordingly. Through the information available on the website, he realised that the various committees also need to be approved by the governor.

In Assam, an organising committee was notified for the first time in October 2003. Thereafter, in June 2005, certain amendments were made in it. Since then, there have been series of amendments in various committees.

In Jharkhand, even the chief minister is not aware whether any such committee was ever notified by the Raj Bhavan. Worse, even the necessary sports equipment have not yet been purchased. The modalities for the purchase of the equipment, too, have not been initiated.

The sole concentration is on the completion of the construction of mega sports complex and games village. “Purchasing the equipment is not a big deal, but where those equipment will be kept is more important. Unless we have our stores and godowns ready, there is no point going for shopping now. My predecessors only wasted and told lies every now and then. The truth is open for all to see. But, we are doing our best and the National Games will be held on time,” he added.