Not aware if PM is coming for National Games: Kalmadi

IOA president Suresh Kalmadi on Tuesday rubbished media reports that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is not keen to share the dais with him during the opening ceremony of the National Games.

Kalmadi, in fact, said he is not aware if Singh will come to the city for the opening ceremony.

"The media reports are wrong. I don't have any knowledge of PM's visit. I am attending the opening ceremony of the 34th National Games on February 12," Kalmadi told newsmen in Jamshedpur.

Kalmadi was removed as chairman of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee last month in the interest of an impartial inquiry into allegations of large scale corruption in conducting the mega event in Delhi.

He also insisted that he will continue to work as IOA president.

"I will continue till the next election (scheduled after two years)," Kalmadi said, when asked whether there was any possibility of election during the February 12 General Body meeting of the IOA in Ranchi in the aftermath of his removal as chairman of the Commonwealth Organising Committee.?

Kalmadi refused to reply queries on the CWG saying, "We should focus on National Games (instead)."

Accompanied by Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahay, he was in Jamshedpur to inspect sporting infrastructure ahead of the Games.

"I can assure you that the National Games, though delayed, will be one of the best in the country ever held," he said.

He added that the IOA is satisfied with the infrastructure in the Steel City which will host five events -- archery, boxing, equestrian, women's football and weightlifting.

Most of the other 28 events will be held at Khelgaon in Ranchi.