Kalmadi relieved after withdrawal of ULFA boycott call

NEW DELHI: Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi on Tuesday expressed relief at the withdrawal by ULFA of its boycott of the National Games and said the sporting extravaganza could usher in peace in Assam.

"I am happy that responding to the call from eminent sportspersons, ULFA has withdrawn the boycott call," Kalmadi said.

"Sports bring in peace. It has happened in Manipur before and it shows that peace can be achieved through sports," Kalmadi said at a press conference.

The banned outfit had given a boycott call and had stepped up violence ahead of the Games starting February 9.

However, they withdrew the threat on Monday after eminent Assamese sportspersons called on them to do so.

Kalmadi praised the state associations for not backing out despite the tense situation in Assam.

"All contingents have either reached or are on way to Guwahati. They did not know about ULFA's withdrawal of boycott. Nobody wavered and it shows their spirit," he said.

"I thank the Union Home Ministry and the Assam government for their efforts and especially the Railway police. They have given a lot of confidence to the state Olympic Associations."

Kalmadi said Congress President Sonia Gandhi will inaugurate the Games which will also be the largest in terms of participation of sportspersons and officials.

"It will be the best ever National Games. The infrastructure and the Games village is one of the best I have seen. They have spent around Rs 300 crore and it is truly of international standards. The Chief Minister needs to be complimented for the effort," he said.