Team Herald
PANJIM: The 37th National Games will begin in October this year even as the inaugural day remains yet to be confirmed and subject to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s schedule, stated Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant on Wednesday.
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The Games will open on October 23, 24 or 25 and go on till November 10, stated the Chief Minister. “We will fix the inaugural ceremony date as soon as possible and the grand opening ceremony will be staged at Fatorda stadium. We want all Goans, sports associations to come together for the preparations,” said Dr Sawant.
The CM claimed that sports tourism is drawing a big number of international tourists to Goa, citing events like half IronMan triathlon and WTT in the past. He feels that the National Games will be able to create a sporting atmosphere in the State and boost sports tourism to add to the footfalls that Goa draws for spiritual tourism.
While most of the venues are permanent structures in the State, three sports events – cycling, shooting, golf – are being shifted to Pune. Weightlifting will be conducted at a temporary venue at the erstwhile Bandodkar stadium in Panjim for which a German hangar tent will be erected, added the Chief Minister without giving any reason for the new development.
It has been learnt from the sources that the multipurpose indoor venues at Ponda do not have sufficient flooring strength and technical requirement for- the warm-up platform near the stage, to conduct the weightlifting competition in the new infrastructure. After years of delay and flip-flops of venue depending on changing of governments, the weightlifting event has finally come to Panjim after being suggested to be held in Canacona and Pernem. In Pernem, the newly-built Sawalvada indoor stadium has been rented to GMR which is operating the Goa International Airport at Mopa. It has a full fledge office there.
Meanwhile, Indian Olympic Association President, P T Usha hoped that the National Games will be organised in a ‘very, very, nice way’.
” The IOA delegates have been visiting regularly and inspecting the venues. They are very happy about the same and we are also very confident,” stated the legendary former India sprinter.
Sports Minister, Govind Gaude emphasised on infrastructure readiness of the State to host the Games. “In all, 38 disciplines have been finalised and Goa is ready to host the National Games as the entire infrastructure is ready. However, some refurbishment in terms of painting, cleaning, will have to be done and that will be completed by July 15.”
“In relation to the requirements to achieve the target, the necessary tenders have been floated,” said Gaude, who stressed that the scale of administration and planning is shaping well towards taking the Games to the next level.
Meanwhile, the IOA technical teams have been visiting Goa regularly for inspections related to the technicalities concerning various disciplines. Another group of technical officials will be in the State soon”, added the Sports Minister.
The Games Technical Conduct Committee chairman, Amitabh Sharma hailed the preparedness on the field as well reflecting the will of the government, terming them it as of a very, very high level.
“The technical aspects as far as the conduct of the Games is concerned, are absolutely at its prime. We are really looking forward to absolute excitement that is being built up around the Games and we look forward to a great sporting event that will raise the bar of sports in this country,” asserted the IOA Executive Council Member.
The IOA joint-secretary, Kalyan Chaubey, who is also the President of All India Football Federation (AIFF) reflected on the need to change Goa’s image from just being a football-playing state. The former India football goalkeeper is hopeful that various sports federations will come up with events in Goa round the year so that it will be known as multiple sports-playing state.
