A rifle training camp for National Games in progress in Ranchi. File picture

Ranchi/Jamshedpur, April 29: First, the Jharkhand Olympic Association (JOA) and National Games Organising Committee (NGOC) have convened a hurried infrastructure review meeting on May 13-15, just 15 days ahead of the 34th National Games.

Second, NGOC functionaries are lobbying hard in Delhi to get a team of senior Indian Olympic Association (IOA) officials visit the state to study the feasibility of a sporting extravaganza in such sweltering heat.

Both are clear indications that Jharkhand may not host the showpiece event from June 1, 2009, and seek fresh dates for the fourth time.

NGOC general secretary S.M. Hashmi said JOA president, also the Games panel’s working chairman, R.K. Anand would meet state sports bodies on May 13-14 to review progress of preparations. On May 15, the NGOC executive committee will meet to take a decision.

On the other hand, Hashmi is himself in Delhi doing the spadework for an IOA visit. “We are trying to get the steering committee (of IOA) visit the state. The heat spell is not conducive to sporting events. IOA officials should come and see for themselves,” said an NGOC office-bearer.

Insiders, however, claimed that the review meet and weather were excuses to defer the schedule once again. The Games is just over a month away, but the third phase of coaching is yet to begin, they pointed out. The camp is supposed to happen for 40 days.“The meeting of the executive board will probably discuss rescheduling of the Games,” one of them said.

Hashmi, talking to The Telegraph over phone from Delhi, said: “We have requested IOA functionaries to visit Jharkhand and see for themselves (whether it is alright to organise the Games in such sultry conditions). Now, it is up to the association to decide.” He maintained a studied silence when asked whether another postponement was on cards.