PANJIM: We must host the National Games at any cost otherwise it will be a loss of face for Goa, this was the general unanimous sentiment echoed by all Goa Olympic Association (GOA) members during the AGM meeting held at Caculo Mall Terminus Hall, Panjim, on Saturday.
Union Minister and GOA President Shripad Naik chaired the meeting. Addressing the Associations, he said, “I will talk to the Government to come out with a solution in the matter. I will also try to raise the issue of waiving of the penalty in our scheduled meeting with IOA on August 31 at Delhi. I seek cooperation from the Government and all Associations to conduct the games successfully. The National Games must be held in Goa else it will be a blot on the State. We will support the Government’s endeavour in creating the necessary infrastructure and preparing the teams for Goa. GOA should not depend only on the Government but must pursue other options such as sponsorships through CSR and elsewhere so that we have substantial funds of our own.”
A uanimous resolution was passed during the AGM that Government must do all that is necessary to comply with directives of IOA to host the National Games in Goa and that the GOA would fully support the Government in its endeavour.
Demand was made by Associations that GOA must be given a substantial annual grant on the lines of the grants given to Churchill Brothers, which can be disbursed to talented athletes from various sports to train at the highest levels and achieve excellence for their State and Country.
Associations highlighted the need of Government to commence training of State athletes well in advance so that the State can put up an impressive performance and win maximum medals.
On the occasion, a few Association members who were elected into the National Federation were felicitated, namely Irwin Soares (volleyball), Lenny Da Gama (boxing), Fr Ralin De Souza (basketball), Paresh Kamat (athletics) and Bhangle (rifle shooting).
