Before starting to get into the blame game, there is something that should be known about the history of the prestigious sporting event. The National Games made its entry into the sports scene of the country when it was first held as the 'Indian Olympic Games' at Lahore in 1924. It went on by that name till 1940, before being changed into 'National Games' which has remained as the official name of the biggest sporting event of the nation ever since. The National Games was supposed to be held every two years and the periodicity was maintained fairly well till 1970. But since 1970, during the 31 years that have passed, the National Games has been conducted only 10 times, which means an average of once in three years.

In 2008, Kerala was granted the honor of hosting the National Games for a second time after 1987, by the Indian Olympics Association. Then, the National Games was scheduled to take place by December 2012, one year after the 2011 games at Ranchi, which came four years after the one held earlier at Guwahati. But according to the latest reports, the games would have to wait at least by one more year...

Venue for Indoor Badminton @ Sanghumughom

“90% of the work has been completed, or is in the process of being completed,” says Ajith A Mohammed, Chief Engineer, National Games. “And the ongoing work would be completed by March 31 this year.”

Jimmy George Indoor Stadium

As for the remaining 10%, Ajith assures that most of the work is minor and could be completed in a short period of time if there aren't any obstacles. But the delay in the commencement of the work of four major venues is a reason of concern for the officials.

“Work on the Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium at Kannur  started last week. Work on the Thrissur Corporation Stadium, Calicut Corporation Stadium and Karyavattom 'Green Field' stadium is yet to begin,” Ajith points out.

University Stadium

The Thrissur Corporation Stadium and the Calicut Corporation Stadium need a year’s time to be completed, while the Karyavattom Stadium, which is to be the main venue for the games with a 25,000 seating capacity, needs at least two years to be completed.

The Games is now scheduled to be held during December 2013, with participation of athletes from 28 states. Trivandrum, with 14 venues, will play host to a major part of the games. Yet, doubts loom large over the fate of at least some among the 14 venues.