IOA proposes fresh dates for Afro-Asian Games

The Afro-Asian Games, which were postponed following the terrorist strikes in the United States, are now proposed to be held from March 24 to April 2.

The Indian Olympic Association has written to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Sports Minister Uma Bharti seeking clearance for the new dates, finalised after consultation with the Olympic Council of Asia and the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, IOA president Suresh Kalmadi said in Delhi on Friday.

The inaugural edition of the eight-discipline Games were scheduled to be held in Delhi from November 3 to 11 but were postponed on the advice of the government, which cited "security concerns" in the region.

In his letter to Bharti, Kalmadi said the OCA and ANOCA have agreed to the postponement and suggested holding the Games "as early as possible".

"The Afro-Asian Games Council, after considering the international sports calendar for the year 2002 and consulting the Continental federations, decided to hold the Games from March 24 to April 2, 2002.

"We, therefore, seek the clearance of the Government of India for holding the Afro-Asian Games on these dates," Kalmadi's letter added.