Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant today announced that National games will be held in October and will be inaugurated by the hands of PM Narendra Modi tentatively between the 23rd to 25th of October.
Chief Minister Sawant, Sports Minister Govind Gaude, and IOA President PT Usha met at the CM’s official residence to discuss the national games.
“National games to be held in the month of October; it will be inaugurated by the hands of PM Narendra Modi tentatively between 23rd to 25th October. Infrastructure is ready to host the national games in Goa,” said CM Sawant.
He further said that the inaugural function will be at PJN Fatorda stadium. He said that Goa is fully ready to host the event in October while stating that Goa will now be well-known for sports tourism.
“We held a meeting with IOA officials and AIFF officials on the preparedness of Goa to host the games. The planning was discussed.
Sawant has appealed to all sports associations to ensure that the maximum number of Goan players represent the state at the National Games.
He also appealed to the associations to ensure that their members participated in all the events at the National Games. Sawant also hoped that the message of Fit India should go throughout the state of Goa.
P T Usha, who is currently the President of the Indian Olympic Committee (IOA), will be on a short one-day visit to Goa from April 26 to oversee the preparations for hosting the 37th National Games slated to be held in October-November in Goa.
“I am satisfied with work. I just wanted a yes from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Goa holding the games. The games will be held in October. I am happy with the preparations,” said IOA President PT Usha.
As per the initial plan, shooting and cycling were planned to be held in New Delhi. The visit to Pune has been thought of as an alternate arrangement mostly due to the financial cost involved therein in organising the events.
The Sports Minister Govind Guade said that he was optimistic that Goa should participate in all sports disciplines.
He emphasised the importance of the National Games for Coa and the need for the state to allocate funds to prepare Goan athletes to win medals.
Gaude has promised all necessary support to the athletes to ensure their success at the National Games. He also said all necessary infrastructure will be in place well before the Games.
