Goa is gearing up to host the 37th National Games that would be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 26. More than 10,000 athletes would be participating across 43 disciplines which would be held across 28 venues. The Goan had a short chit-chat with Sports Minister ahead of the major event.
Q: How far are we prepared to host the National Games?
Minister: We are fully prepared I will say. We are all set to host all the disciplines across our 28 venues. We have tried to provide the best infrastructure and facilities for our athletes across all venues. See, one has to understand, these are National Games…small touch-ups…some hiccups…will continue till the last day; but we have completed all major works. During the monsoon, we were unable to take up work. I am personally inspecting and monitoring the works. The infrastructure works are taken up by certified agencies and not any ordinary contractor.
Q: So well-equipped venues were provided to the athletes for practice?
Minister: Yes! We made sure that we provide the best venues and close proximity venues to all the athletes for their practice. We had done some minor touch-ups even to those venues.
Q: Where do you see Goa, as a participating team in the National Games?
Minister: During the 36th National Games, Goa won only three medals but this time we are confident to increase our tally. It was declared well in advance that Goa is going to be the host and since that day onwards our players have started preparation.
I would like to make it clear here, we are not looking at National Games just as games, but a kick start to boost the moral, enthusiasm of our players. We want our players to take this opportunity as a life changing experience.
Q: We heard your daughter is one of the participants.
Minister: Yes. Shravani is part of the netball team. It is a proud moment for me as a father; but as a Sports Minister of Goa, I would like to see my State giving its best- both in terms as a host and participant.
Q: What about the crowd, Sir. We have seen empty stands for the U17 World Cup and also the Lusofonia Games.
Minister: This is going to be a crowd pulling event. We won’t have any problems. We have tried our best to create the necessary environment.
Our opening ceremony would be a grand event which will go on for nearly five to six hours. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the event. Before Modiji’s entry, we will see performances by a Bollywood singer, a drone show and other cultural and crowd pulling events.
