Dates of National games to be officially declared on June 26

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As Ammu the Great Indian Hornbill - the mascot of the 35th National Games - turned one on Monday, her birthday present came in the form of word from Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president N Ramachandran who declared that the dates of the much-awaited games will be announced on June 26.
National Games Secretariat CEO Jacob Punnoose said the secretariat has taken into account various factors, including weather, and suggested January-February 2015 as the ideal time to conduct the games in the state.
The 35th National Games will be spread across 530 kilometres at 32 venues in seven districts. Around 1,500 media accreditations are expected to be given out for covering the games.
The duration and regulation of the games will be decided by the IOA and is expected to be held over a period of at least 20 days. Over 90% works have been completed at each venue, barring slow progress at the shooting range and trap and skeet venue, but they too will be ready soon, the CEO said.
Nearly half of the events will be held in Thiruvananthapuram district. Work for the Games Village is nearing completion at Menamkulam. About 365 villa-style buildings are being built at a cost of Rs 12 lakh each. "There was great difficulty in finding the 30 acres required to build the games village which can accommodate up to 5,000 people. Land was finally leased to us by the industries department on a two-year contract, which means the village would be a temporary set up.
In keeping with the promise that the games will be eco-friendly, the housing units can be dismantled and all its parts utilized," said Punnoose. Ammu, the first female mascot of the games, has been touring schools across the state to spread awareness about the games.