PANJIM: The wheels seem to have slowly started moving, with some associations announcing the date for selections for camps in preparation for the 37th National Games to be held in Goa.
Paresh Kamat, secretary, Goa Athletic Association said the final selections would take place on June 14,15 at Bambolim stadium. This will be followed by a 45-day camp and then a 45-day residential camp. Coaches from the Army Sports Institute and seven State coaches will be undertaking coaching, Paresh disclosed.
The archery association will conduct selections at Ponda sports complex on June 24, 25. Chetan Kavlekar, secretary, Amateur Archery Association of Goa said they had been trying to conduct the trials since April and May. In all, eight archers will be selected. “We intend to conduct a 45-day residential camp either in Ponda or Margao. We are awaiting for the green signal,” added Chetan.
Asked if he expected any medals, Chetan pointed out to two girls who attended the trials for the Tokyo Olympics who are a good prospect in the recurve section.
Boxing could bring medals for Goa. Danushka da Gama, Executive member of Goa Amateur Boxing Association, said a sparring practice session for the elite women’s section was held on Tuesday. Sadly, only three boxers turned up and the selection for the men’s team would take place in the second week of July. The training camp would be held either at the Army Sports Institute in Pune, JWS Bilari or the Government Science Centre in Bhopal.
Danuska pointed out that there are not many sparring partners available in Goa. Moreover, the ones who are there would not be able to provide adequate practice to the elite boxers, she added.
Two dazzling events were held recently for the launching of the logo and the mascot. However, the question uppermost in the minds of Goan sports lovers and fans is – how many medals will the State be able to garner.
As hosts, the Government is incurring heavy expenditure for hosting the prestigious event and also for launching various associated pre-events with great fanfare. Obviously, these questions are being raised in view of the fact that Goa has had a dismal record in the previous National Games, including the 36th one held in Gujarat in Sept-Oct 2022.
