Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: A delegation from the Goa Olympic Association (GOA), led by Gurudatta Bhakta, the GOA Secretary General, was invited by the Sports Minister Govind Gaude at the Secretariat in Porvorim on Wednesday to discuss the forthcoming 37th National Games in Goa.
During the meeting, Minister Gaude assured the delegation that the Goa Government is committed to supporting the athletes to ensure their success at the National Games. He emphasized the importance of infrastructure development and maintenance for the games, stating that the state government will ensure that all necessary infrastructure is in place well before the games.
Minister Gaude briefed the delegation about the National Games schedules, which he said are likely to be held in Goa in October or November 2023, and plans are to conclude the games before the Diwali Festival. The exact dates will be announced in consultation with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Central Government, he added. Additionally, Minister Gaude informed that a delegation from the IOA has been invited to visit Goa from March 6 to 11.
With 37 sports disciplines being a part of the 37th National Games, the Minister was optimistic that Goa should participate in all of the sports disciplines. He emphasized the importance of the National Games for the state of Goa and the need for the state to allocate funds to prepare Goan athletes to win medals and bring laurels to the state. As a build-up to the Games, Minister Gaude expressed his desire to involve not only State Sports Associations but Taluka and Village level clubs as well, where sports disciplines that are part of the Games could be promoted in every nook and corner, and an environment created where sports become an integral part of the lives of people in Goa.
Bhakta conveyed his gratitude to the Sports Minister whose unwavering commitment will ensure that the National Games takes place in Goa after a lengthy wait. Additionally, he assured the Minister that the GOA Team would collaborate closely with the Goa Government to ensure the success of the games.
