Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Sports Minister Govind Gaude, along with heads of different government agencies, convened a crucial review meeting at the Dr SPM Stadium, Goa University, to ensure the successful execution of the events scheduled for the 37th National Games in Goa.
The much-anticipated games are set to take place from October 19 to 24, 2023, and preparations are in full swing to provide a world-class sporting experience. Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Executive Director (SAG), Sandip Jacques were among those present. The SPM stadium venue will kickstart with badminton team and individual events, followed by Fencing and Volleyball.
The review meeting held at Dr SPM Stadium, the designated venue for the badminton events, addressed the progress of the ongoing preparations. The flooring works have been completed, and work on crucial elements like air conditioning, painting, and other renovation tasks is currently underway. It is expected that these works will be completed within the next 3-4 days, ensuring that the stadium is in top-notch condition for the athletes and spectators alike.
The Goa Badminton Association, a key stakeholder in the organization of the badminton events, expressed their satisfaction with the pace and quality of the preparations. They lauded the dedicated efforts of all involved agencies and expressed confidence in delivering a successful event.
Competition Director Rakesh Shekhar recently visited Goa and provided valuable input regarding layout adjustments, lighting enhancements, and other requirements. The responsible agencies have already begun implementing these suggestions to further enhance the overall experience for participants and fans.
The installation of synthetic courts is scheduled to commence on the 15th of October, ensuring that the playing surfaces meet international standards. Teams from across India are set to arrive on the 17th, eagerly anticipating the commencement of the highly competitive badminton matches.
Sports Minister personally visited the Dr SPM Stadium in Goa to inspect the ongoing preparations, offering valuable insights and directions to ensure that every aspect of the event is finely tuned for success. His commitment to the games’ success has been a motivating factor for all involved agencies.
Sandeep Heble, Chef De Mission for Goa Team and Secretary of Goa Badminton Association, expressed optimism about the preparations, stating, “Government and all agencies are working tirelessly, badminton players love visiting our beautiful State and Goa is getting ready to provide a fascinating experience to all of them.”
Praveen Shenoy, Manager of Goa Badminton Team, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing, “It will be a wonderful experience for the Goa Team to compete with the best from India in an International-class stadium.”
The 37th National Games in Goa promises to be an extraordinary event with the participation of renowned Indian international players, including Kiran George, Mithun Manjunath, Sourabh Varma, Varun Kapur, Aakarshi Kashyap, Malvika Bansod, Ashmita Chaliha, and Anupama Upadhyaya. Their presence adds to the excitement and prestige of the competition.
The Sports Minister and all stakeholders are committed to ensuring that the badminton events at the 37th National Games in Goa are a resounding success, offering a memorable experience for athletes, officials, and spectators alike.
