Telangana to get its first National Games

Newly-formed Telangana is all set to make its presence felt in the 35th National Games beginning here on January 31 with the IOA stating that qualifying teams of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana should take part separately in the event.
National Games Organising Committee (NGOC) sources here said the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has been considering the representations from both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for participating in the fortnight-long event following the bifurcation of the state of Andhra Pradesh.
With Telangana also in the fray, 30 Indian sates, five Union Territories and the Services (SSCB) teams will be participating in the country's largest multi-disciplinary sports event.

The event is scheduled to be held from January 31 to February 14, across seven districts in Kerala.
In his communication to NGOC, Rajiv Mehta, Secretary General, Indian Olympic Association (IOA), has stated that "the interest and concern of sports persons are paramount to the IOA", an NGOC release said here today.
According to Mehta, "all the qualifying teams of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana should take part separately in the National Games. In this regard, IOA will constitute committees to handle the participation and entries of teams from these two states," it said.
Eligibility norms stipulate that the respective State Olympic Associations shall sponsor the State or Union Territory team or individual participant in the Games.

The state teams have to be selected by the state sports associations of the respective disciplines that are affiliated to the State Olympic Association and to the corresponding National Sports Federation concerned, which in turn must be affiliated to IOA, it said.