Rain could play spoilsport at National Games

Guwahati -- Organisers were keeping their fingers crossed Thursday that the rains lashing the city for the past two days should not mar the inauguration of the 33rd National Games on Friday.

The skies were overcast Thursday with the city experiencing moderate showers.

The meteorological office recorded 26.6 mm of rainfall in the past 48 hours and has forecast a cloudy sky with thunderstorms and more rain on Friday.

"There has been continuous westerly disturbance in the area and it could bring on more rain Friday," said H. Pathak, director meteorological department.

Organisers fear that the sloppy outfield at the Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium in the Sarsujai Sports Complex, where the inaugural is to be held, might affect the cultural programme.

The heavy rain has not allowed participants to practice for the competition.

"The rains have given us a tough time. The arrangements for the outdoor games have been badly hit. The football field and the cycling velodrome have been the worst affected. We are trying to flush out the water that has filled the grounds," P. Hazarika, secretary general (infrastructure/equipment), told IANS.

The organisers are wondering whether to shift the kabaddi venue from the Tepesia stadium to the indoor stadium at IIT Guwahati or R.G. Baruah Sports Complex.

"We have put in a lot of hard work. Everybody is praying that the rains stop. We are hoping the weather will improve in the next few hours," said Hazarika.