PANJIM: Rejecting the claims of former Sports Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar that the National Games can be held in Goa ‘tomorrow itself’, new Sports Minister Govind Gaude on Monday said that the State is not even close to hosting the National Games any time soon.
The failure to hold the National Games has become Goa’s national shame.
“When Ministers give statements, you have to keep in mind the trust of the people. We should be truthful and not lie and fool the people. Henceforth there will be transparency and openness in my department,” Gaude said.
He added that he will take up the issue of the National Games with the Prime Minister and Chief Minister for further discussion.
Earlier in the day, Gaude held a review meeting at the Secretariat with his staff, where he questioned why there were still issues with the infrastructure and asked why sports in Goa is lagging. Gaude added that he was informed that due to Covid, there were some hurdles.
The Minister also lamented that there are young and promising athletes and sportspersons in villages who have all the qualities to succeed but do not have the financial backing to go forward and thus give up sports as a career.
