the goan I network
PANAJI
There should be no doubt now that Goa will indeed be the hosts for the National Games in 2018. Indian Olympic Association (IOA) secretary general Rajeev Mehta is confident that under the guidance of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, the State will be ready to stage the premier national multi-sports extravaganza in November
next year.
Mehta held a meeting with Parrikar on Monday to discuss the issues and clear the picture with regards to Goa's endeavour to host the National Games, which have been postponed since 2011. He was mighty pleased and impressed.
"We discussed the issues regarding (setting up) the shooting range, cycling velodrome and an astro turf for hockey. The chief minister is very energetic and sounded upbeat on the prospect of National Games. I feel the pending work will need another eight to nine months, and Goa will be able to deliver the Games under the guidance of Parrikar in November 2018," Mehta said.
"The IOA will now revert with a letter to Goa government in a month's time as we need to complete some formalities," he added.
Parrikar has assured the IOA that the State government will provide the requisite facilities and infrastructure for the mega event.
Sports Minister Babu Ajgaonkar, Housing Minister Jayesh Salgaonkar, AYUSH Minister and Goa Olympic Association (GOA) President Shripad Naik, GOA Secretary General Gurudatta Bhakta, Director of Sports & Youth Affairs V M Prabhudesai were also present for
the meeting.
