The fate of the jinxed Afro-Asian Games hangs in balance again following Sports Minister Vikram Verma's announcement that the cabinet is yet to give its approval to Hyderabad staging the multi-disciplinary event, slated for October-November this year.
"Though there seems to be an agreement among most of those concerned about Hyderabad being the venue (of Afro-Asian Games), the Union Cabinet is yet to take a final decision about the change of venue (from New Delhi)," Verma said during 'Question Hour' in the Parliament on Tuesday.
Delhi was initially chosen as the venue for the inaugural Games but the much-touted event, which had to be postponed twice due to security concerns, was shifted to Hyderabad, where preparations are now on in a full swing.
Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi said the Sports Ministry had agreed to a request from it to move the Games as elections were due to be held at that time in Delhi.
"There is no problem whatsoever. Hyderabad is to host the Games. The Cabinet approval is expected within this week," Kalmadi said.
Seeking to dismiss the confusion triggered off by Verma's remarks, Kalmadi said, "Sports Ministry had recommended that the Games be shifted to Hyderabad and the proposal is before the Cabinet. There should be no confusion. Work is going on in full swing in Hyderabad.
"Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had called upon the Sports Minister recently and discussed various aspects related with the Games."