Kolkata, June 7 (PTI) The West Bengal government will approach the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for permission to host the 37th National Games here, state Sports minister Madan Mitra said today.
"We will request the IOA for permission to hold the National Games in the state," Mitra told newsmen.
Pointing that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was keen to have the National Games in the state, Mitra said that his department has already begun the necessary formalities in the matter.
Talks have already been held with the State Olympic Association, he said.
"During the 34-years rule of the Left Front government in the state, not a single National Games was held in the state," the Sports minister said.
Mitra also announced that the West Bengal government will award Rs 50,000 each to Rajiv Bhattacharya and Deepankar Ghosh, who recently scaled the Mt Everest.