PORVORIM: After missing out on the 2022 edition, the Goa government is now gearing up to host the 37th National Games next year.
Speaking to mediapersons, Sports Minister Govind Gaude said that the State has received a communication from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) shortlisting Goa for the 2023 National Games.
Gaude said that the State will have to propose the dates for hosting the games. “We are ready to hold the National Games any time after December 2022,” he said.
Goa was to host the 36th National games after Kerala in 2015, but due to various reasons including non-readiness of infrastructure, the Games could not be held for the past seven years. Finally, IOA gave Gujarat the right to host the event.
Gaude also said that the government would pay financial dues worth Rs 42 lakh to medal-winning sportspersons from the state by the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, scheduled next month.
“The dues have been pending for years,” he said. “When the issue was brought to his notice, he initiated action against the sports department officials who had kept the concerned file.”
Gaude also stated that he has proposed 2 percent reservation in all government jobs for sportspersons who have excelled at international, national and local levels.
