PANAJI: The Goa Olympic Association (GOA) chose to play down the IOA warning issued to Goa over fixing a date for the 2016 National Games within a month pay a fine of Rs 10 crore.
GOA general secretary Gurudatta Bhakta, who was in Mumbai on his way back from the AGM in Guwahati, while speaking to The Goan categorically stated that there was absolutely nothing to fear over the threat of Rs 10 cr fine.
"These are purely arm-twisting tactics from IOA. The issue of fixing dates for National Games is already notified to the Goa government, IOA and Sports Authority of Goa and I have a copy of the official draft. We have already notified in the past that Goa is on course to successfully host the 2016 National Games from November 5 to 19," clarified Bhakta, adding that he strongly defended Goa's position visa-vis the games.
"The IOA is being mismanaged or else such demands would never have been raised when the issue of dates has already been notified. Goa is well prepared and is on track to hosting National Games in November 2016," signed off Bhakta.
