Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: The Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had a joint inspection of the work of the Indoor Stadium being constructed at Navelim. The Chief Minister has revealed that the stadium will be completed by July 30 and will be inaugurated tentatively on August 15.
The Chief Minister was assisted by the Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Babu Azgaonkar and officials of Sports department. The Chief Minister while revealing that the dates for the National Games however added that the Government is on schedule for completion of the infrastructure worth Rs. 230 crores.
The Chief Minister has informed that he has requested to host the National Games between November 1 to 15. “Within the time frame we will complete the infrastructure. As far as the fine imposed we have corresponded that the delay has been unintentional and the reasons were genuine” he told. “I have spoken to the Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju regarding the same and he has informed of speaking to the Indian Olympics Association regarding the same” told Sawant.
“We have spent 230 crores on infrastructure across Goa and another Rs. 200 crores is required for the National Games and the provision has been made to host the prestigious event” said Sawant.
The Sports Minister Babu Azgaonkar stated that work at Pernem, Campal, Ponda, Vasco and Margao too is on track and some more renovations have been undertaken.
Kho Kho, Handball and Netball will be played at the indoor stadium during National Games. The stadium has been built on a 500 sq mtrs land in the total 13,000 sq mts acquired area. The stadium has a 2050 sq mts of fair area of play and has a seating capacity 1,000.
The work of the stadium had stopped for a year due to the tenants approaching High Court. However, the contractor RBS Candiaparcar managed to complete the Rs 43 crores work right on time.
