PANAJI
Traditional games may be considered for inclusion in the 37th National Games along with 37 other sports disciplines to be held in Goa.
This was disclosed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) team which was in Goa on 3-day visit to review the preparedness of the State to conduct the Games.
“Traditional games like lagori, squay, rollball etc are likely to be included in the 37th National Games”, IOA Executive Council member Amitabh Sharma who was part of the team, told media.
Sharma also expressed satisfaction over the preparations for the Games in Goa. “The State of Goa is fully prepared to host the National Games”, he said.
Sharma disclosed that events like shooting and some cycling events requiring special facilities like Velodrome will be held in some sister cities.
Goa was to host the 36th edition of the national games but it was snatched away and hosted by Gujarat last year after multiple defaults by the State in readying infrastructure to host the marquee Indian sports event.
The final dates for the edition however have not been finalized, although tentatively November this year, it is likely to be a few weeks after the conclusion of the Asian Games in China.
Between 7,000-8,000 athletes are billed to participate and an equal number of support staff, technical officials and organisers are expected to descend to the State for the event
The National Games is India’s own Olympic-style event where the country's top athletes across 30 disciplines compete. Its objective is to identify talent who could earn laurels for the country at international competition including the Olympics.
