PANJIM: “We are confident of successfully executing the National Games. We are on track to host the multi-discipline sporting event which will bring superlative talent from across India to the Goan turf,” said Chief Minister of Goa & Chairman of the NGOC Dr. Pramod Sawant during the launch ceremony of the 36th National Games which are scheduled for October 20 to November 4 in the State.
“It was the vision and dream of our late Chief Minister of Goa, Manohar Parrikar to host the National Games in Goa. Through these Games, we also wish to showcase our culture, food, natural beauty and extend our hospitality to all the States and UTs that will be coming to Goa during the Games,” Sawant added.
Union Minister of State (I/c) for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri. Kiren Rijiju said, “Goa is a sport loving state and with the Government actively promoting sports in the State there is no reason why Goa cannot become a powerhouse in sports. World class infrastructure has been created for these Games which will benefit sportspersons in the State. The Games will help imbibe a sports culture in the State. We are expecting a grand celebration from October 20 to November 4 which will bring athletes from across India. I’m confident that Goa will do a great job in hosting the Games and the National Games 2020 will be the best and biggest ever in the history of India.”
Earlier, Rubigula –the flame-throated bulbul, the State bird of Goa, was revealed as the official mascot for the 36th National Games of India in the presence of Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State (I/c) for Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State (I/c) for AYUSH and President of Goa Olympic Association Shripad Naik, Dy. Chief Minister and Sports Minister of GoaManohar Ajgaonkar, Indian Olympic Association President Narinder Dhruv Batra and Secretary General Rajeev Mehta, Sports Minister of Haryana Sandeep Singh, Sports Minister of Tripura Manoj Kanti Deb, Sports Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Mama Natung, Sports Secretaries of various states, sportspersons, NGOC members and other dignitaries marked their presence at the event.
“There was no better way to begin the festivities for the National Games than the unveiling of the mascot ‘Rubigula’. The mascot incorporates the best elements and characteristics of Goa and the Goan people. It is another step forward for the preparations of the National Game and Rubigula will generate even more interest for these Games, especially among young people,” stated Pramod Sawant speaking on the official games mascot.
