Guwahati, Aug. 10: Games Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC) chairman and Rowing Federation of India president K.P. Singh Deo today advised the organising committee of the 33rd National Games not to spread out its events across other districts.

He specifically suggested that water sports be held at Deepor Beel here.

While inspecting the infrastructure developed for the National Games so far, the sports stalwart felt that Deepor Beel was the ideal venue for rowing and canoeing and kayaking. These two disciplines were supposed to be held at Saron Beel in Morigaon district.

Singh Deo was accompanied by GTCC member and technical director for the Commonwealth Games 2010, A.S.V. Prasad, during the inspection tour.

According to Singh Deo, it would not be wise to hold these two aquatic events in a far-flung venue when Deepor Beel was located within the very city to which the Indian Olympic Association had awarded the Games.

Confirming the development, an organising committee functionary said the GTCC chief has “suggested it but he is not insisting on it”.

“He has enquired about the pros and cons of both venues and expressed his view that there was still enough time to develop Deepor Beel for the National Games. This would be ideal in all respects,” an office-bearer of the organising committee said.

Saron Beel was finalised as the venue after dredging of Deepor Beel by the Assam Science Technology and Environment Council got mired in legal and financial problems. Also, there was little time for completing the venue by the earlier deadline for the National Games. The federations concerned had also rejected the proposal to develop the Sualkuchi Brahmaputra backwater stream.

Singh Deo met representatives from the state sports associations and the Assam Olympic Association later in the evening.