Guwahati, Feb 3 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi Saturday appealed to the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to withdraw its boycott call for next week's National Games even as he said all participants would be provided fool-proof security.

"For the greater interest of Assam and sports, I would like to appeal to the ULFA to lift its boycott call," Gogoi told journalists. "I want the people of Assam, including the ULFA, to support the games, as something unfortunate would tarnish the image of our state."

The ULFA last month called for a boycott of the 33rd National Games, the country's biggest domestic sporting event, scheduled to begin in Guwahati Feb 9. The ULFA wants the 10-day National Games be renamed as Assam Sports Festival.

The chief minister said a massive security blanket would be thrown around Guwahati for the games with police, paramilitary and the army deployed in strength to thwart any attempts by rebels to create violence.

"We are taking no chances whatsoever and there should not be any apprehension in the minds of the people. All preparations are complete and we are ready to host the games in a befitting manner," Gogoi said.