PANJIM: The torch lighting ceremony of the 37th National Games, to be held in Goa in October-November 2023, was held Friday at the Raj Bhavan Durbar Hall. The torch was lit by P S Sreedharan Pillai the governor of Goa. After this, the torch was handed over to Katya Coelho, an international sailor from Goa.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Sports Minister Govind Gawde, Union Minister MP Shripad Naik and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that this time Goa is fully prepared for the 37th National Games. The competition will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 25. The torch will now go to every place in the State. Sawant said the sportsmen should take advantage of this competition and contribute to this competition and sports organisations should start preparing hard and win medals.
On this occasion, Sports Minister Govind Gawde said this torch would be carried during every game, creating an energetic atmosphere. This torch will also move outside the State.
“In the wake of assurances by the chief minister, various sports organisations of the State withdrew their boycott of the torch unveiling programme of the national sports competition”, said the Goa Olympic Association.
“Government will provide 80 per cent funds to various sports organisations. The money is already deposited with SAG,” said chief minister.
