PANAJI
Amid speculations on Goa’s ill-preparedness to host National Games, Sports Minister Govind Gaude on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 16-day event on October 25.
“The National Games 2023 will be inaugurated at the hands of PM Modi on October 25 and culminate on November 9. This will boost the sports culture in the State because hosting National Games has been a dream of every Goan which we have been trying to fulfil since 2012,” he said while replying to the discussion on grants for the Sports Department.
Claiming that the National Games should have a legacy plan, Gaude emphasized on promotion of sports. “Our aim is not to create just a sports person for Goa but he/she should also play in the national team,” he added.
“There has been transparency into whatever we have carried out so far because we don’t want to risk the taxpayers’ money,” he further said, claiming the infrastructure for the National Games is up to the required level.
The minister also urged Goan families to encourage their children into sports as legislator Vijai Sardesai raised apprehensions that non-Goan sportspersons could be inducted into the Goa team for the upcoming event.
"Government is doing everything possible for the sportspersons in various disciplines. For example, reward money has been announced to those winning at the national and international level, along with other benefits," Gaude said.
Reacting to allegations of non-release of grants to associations in various sports disciplines, the minister shot back at the latter charging them with submitting delayed ‘utilization certificates.’
“We have a commitment towards the associations. Some grants might be pending for which the government is not responsible. At times, we give 80 per cent grants after which, the associations have to submit utilization certificates within one month to avail the remaining amount. Some associations are prompt but others keep it pending for 1-2 years,” he said.
The government will release Rs 2.54 crore for the associations as grants and Rs 73 lakh for cash prizes for the medal winners.
The minister further assured to reward money for the medal winners as promised by the State, before the Ganesh Chaturthi festival or by September 15.
On the decision for an international cricket stadium, Gaude said they will coordinate with Goa Cricket Association. He also announced to soon constitute a Goa Youth Board to oversee the implementation of State Youth Policy.
On the disbursement of Sports Kits to students, the Minister assured to enhance financial assistance to government schools and increase MLA quota as well for the purpose, from next financial year.
