Security concerns to keep Sourav away from Malda

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Jan 20: Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly had been chosen to inaugurate the 26th state children sports meet (primary level), to be held in Malda on 12 February. The decision, however, was finally dropped after a meeting with administrative officials in which they raised Mr Ganguly's security as problematic.

Today Mr Bishwanath Ghosh, CPI-M MLA from Kaliachak and chairman of the committee and Mr. Purna C Sit, additional district magistrate (general) and convener of the committee, held a meeting to prepare for the three-day 26th state children sports meet to take place on Malda district sports association ground.

As an alternative, the committee has chosen to invite the governor, Mr Gopalkrishna Gandhi. They had contacted his office, but his appearance has not been confirmed.

According to the chairman of the district primary school council, Mr Uttam Sarkar: “The governor may be on leave during the period of the state children sports meet”.

The committee has also contacted football coach Mr P K Banerjee, the physically challenged swimmer Masidur Rahaman Bidya and magician P C Sirkar (Jr) as potential guests for the inaugural session.

The committee has planned to bring together 5,000 primary students from across the district, providing travel expenses and food to the visitors.

Four torch rallies, covering all 15 blocks, will be organised on the occasion to promote primary education.

A total of 850 primary school children will participate in the sports meet from across the state, said Mr Uttam Sarkar. The participants will meet at Malda district sports association ground just before the inauguration of the meet on 12 February.