New Delhi: Bihar may play host to 2020 National Games of India. According to news reports, an assurance regarding this was given by Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Officials on the condition that the State Government repeals the controversial Bihar Sports, Registration, Recognition and Regulation Act 2013.
Bihar’s Minister for Art, Culture and Youth Affairs Vinay Bihari met IOA Officials including its Secretary General Rajeev Mehta yesterday where he conveyed Bihar Government’s willingness to nullify the act.
A high level meeting is being convened in Patna on January 5, where a decision in this regard might be taken.
On December 19, Bihar was banned from taking part in any activities of IOA, including the upcoming 35th National Games which will be held from 31 January 2015 to 14 February 2015.
Ever since the inception of National Games in 1924, it could never be held in Bihar, even though newly created Jharkhand got a chance to host the 34th National Games in 2011.
The 36th Games would be held in Goa (2016), 37th in Raipur, Chhattisgarh (2017) and 38th in Kolkata, West Bengal (2018).
The National Games are held every two years except those years in which the Olympic Games and Asian Games are held. It is entirely controlled by Indian Olympic Association.