New Delhi, Sept. 17 :    New Delhi, Sept. 17:  It's official now. The inaugural Afro-Asian Games that was to be held in Delhi from November 3-11 is off. But whether it has been postponed or cancelled altogether still remains a question. Minister of youth affairs and sports, Uma Bharti, said at a meeting organised by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) that the Afro-Asian Games has been cancelled due to 'the great American tragedy and security threats' and not because the hosts' were not prepared. In a press conference held later, a sullen Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president, Suresh Kalmadi, said the Afro-Asian Games was postponed and not cancelled. He stressed that the Cabinet Committee on security had advised that the atmosphere was not appropriate to stage an international sports extravaganza. Randhir Singh, secretary-general of the IOA, also put on a brave face and said the Games would possibly be rescheduled for January or March next year. This, however, will clash with the hockey World Cup in Kuala Lumpur and the soccer World Cup in South Korea and Japan. (May31 to June 30). With three African nations - Cameroon, Nigeria and South Africa - having qualified and Iran being a probable qualifier from Asia, it is doubtful any of these nations will send teams. As secretary-general of the Olympic Council of Asia, Randhir said he would consult his African counterpart Tom Sithole to finalise new dates. Sithole, the secretary-general of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCOA), and Randhir are looking for a block of dates after consultation with the eight respective regional federations. The IOA claims it is awaiting official postponement of the SAF Games.