12th South Asian Games: Meghalaya threatens to pull out as host

New Delhi: The preparations for the 12th South Asian Games (SAG) is facing a new challenge after Meghalaya is reconsidering its decision to host the tournament alongside neighbours Assam from February 5 to 16.

According to a report in The Times of India, the Mukul Sangma government is miffed with the alleged move made by the Centre to shift the badminton event from their capital Shillong to Guwahati.

That is touted to be the main reason for the reconsideration of pulling out from the event.

Further reports have claimed that the working president of Meghalaya State Olympic Association, John F Kharshiing, has sent an email to director-general of Sports Authority of India, Injeti Srinivas, CEO of the SAG and president of IOA N Ramachandran, IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta expressing displeasure.

The email states that, “We have just been informed by senior officials that in view of the unreasonable decision to shift badminton venue, the state government is exploring the possibility of totally withdrawing from the Games.”