CM Pramod Sawant and others at a press conference on National Games on Friday. Captured by : Narayan Pissurlenkar
PANAJI
Goa is “on its marks” according to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, to host the biggest and “record breaking” thirty-seventh edition of the National Games from October 26, despite the minor hiccups related to the finishing touches to playing arenas in most of the stadia and venues.
Sawant who addressed a press conference alongside Sports Minister Govind Gaude, Sports Secretary and CEO, NGOC Swetika Sachan, IAS, and Amitabh Sharma, Chairman of the National Games Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC), said, the games will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 26 evening at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium at Fatorda.
Sawant said, Goa is set to make history by hosting the Games which will feature a record-breaking 43 disciplines.
Compared to the previous edition in Gujarat, which featured 36 disciplines, and Kerala’s 2015 edition with 33, this year’s National Games will be the largest ever, he said.
Sawant however admitted that all the venues are not complete technically, but said work was on in full swing and will be ready and handed over to the games organising committee at least six days before competition starts.
“The Indian Olympic Association is helping us and is satisfied with the infrastructure,” Sawant said.
Sawant appealed to Goans to put their best foot forward to make the games a success as thousands of athletes and technical officials will be coming down to participate.
He also said, like tourism, Goa will also henceforth strive to be a sports destination attracting sports enthusiasts from around the globe.
“With events like Ironman and the World Table Tennis event held earlier this year, Goa has already showcased its capabilities in hosting international sporting events,” Sawant said, adding that with the state-of-the-art infrastructure developed for the National Games associations and national federations will hopefully utilize it beyond the National Games.
Styled on the lines of the Olympics, National Games will witness participation from the top eight State teams in each discipline. Goa being the hosts will be allowed to participate in all, even if they don’t make the qualification mark.
Multiple venues throughout the state will host the competitions, with cycling and golf being held in Delhi.
Seven disciplines -- beach football, roll ball, golf, sepaktakraw, sqay martial arts, kalliyarapattu, and pencak silat -- will be making their debut in the Goa edition of the national games.
Additionally, yachting and taekwondo are making a comeback while traditional Indian sport like lagori and gatka have been included as demonstration sports.
Gaude said, the Games will be an inspiration for sports enthusiasts and athletes from across India.
“Our goal is not just to promote participation but to ignite a passion for sports in every individual,” Gaude said, adding that the 37th National Games will be an event to remember and a symbol of unity.
