PANJIM: Stating that he is working hard to hold beach volleyball for the 37th National Games in Goa, Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Govind Gaude on Saturday said that he has written to the Indian Olympic Association and Union Sports Ministry in this regard.
“I have written to the president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Union Minister and Union Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs to give Sports Authority of India the responsibility so that they can participate in the Games in Goa. I have only that option. I am trying very hard, but nothing has happened yet. I am trying to hold beach volleyball. We have readied the locations for the sport. But there is some internal conflict. As the State, we are trying our best, but finally, they have to take the decision,” he said.
On the issue of some Goan players being ignored for badminton, he brushed aside any problems.
“There is no issue. The list was ready. Regarding all sports, the Government of India has issued a letter to the respective associations saying 70 per cent of Goans by birth should be taken. The balance 30 per cent, as per rule of IOA and national federation, if any athlete of any part of the country lives in the State six months prior to the Games may be allowed to participate in that respective State,” he said.
“Our Goans have played in other States. It is the athletes who represent the country. The rules and regulation of the constitution of every association are being followed. Every association has their own constitution, it can’t be violated. In some cases, there are no Goan players at all as Goa is participating in only 36 disciplines. Some 2-3 sports are not being played at all in Goa. The State’s Sports Authority of Goa only acts as the bridge between the associations, national federations and the State. We have explored the best possible solutions, and that has been done,” he said.
Gaude said that five games will kick off before the opening ceremony. “On Sunday, netball will begin at Campal. We have ample time and these few days are an opportunity for us to fine-tune and rectify any mistakes. I am thankful to the public and students involved in the organisation of the Games. I also thank the Prime Minister, Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, and our Chief Minister has given his wholehearted support to organise these Games,” he said.
