the goan I network
MARGAO
With six months left for the start of the 36th edition of the National Games, Goa is prepared to host the prestigious event in November, said Sports Minister Manohar Ajgonkar at an interactive session with media persons at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Tuesday
The Sports Minister had a broad smile on his face and declared, “I am very confident that everything will fall in place. I am optimistic as the government is working overtime and burning the midnight oil to have the plans finalised and approved.”
“Certainly, there are positives and the works orders of the works will be issued within fifteen days,” Ajgaonkar added.
The Sports Minister allayed fears that there was a cash crunch in view of the mining problems in the State. “There is money. We promise that we will deliver on our promises,” Ajgaonkar said. “The Games will provide a road map for Goan sports. There are no problems as far as the finances are concerned. There is adequate amount availbale for infrastructure projects,” reiterated the Sports Minister.
Ajgaonkar disclosed that four disciplines will be addeded in the National Games apart from the present
35 disciplines.
Rakesh Kumar, chairman of GTCC, said, “The Sports Minister is very positive. He is very energetic and sounded upbeat on the prospects of Goa hosting the National Games. We will have all the infrastructure in place well before the National Games start.”
Kumar disclosed that a commiittee will be formed to monitor the progress of day-to-day progress of preps for the Games. Six new facilities are to be constructed for the Games, yet some tenders have not been floated till now. Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) has floated tenders for three projects ” indoor stadium at Pernem, refurbishment of the indoor stadium at Campal and indoor stadium at Ponda ” but bidders have time till April 23 to submit the tender documents.
Even if, as the SAG is aiming, work starts immediately, SAG’s own tender notice gives companies 240 days (6 months) to complete work, which is beyond the scheduled start of the National Games on November 4.
New facilities to be constructed: Tennis courts at Fatorda, Cycling velodrome at Fatorda, Squash facility at Chicalim, Multipurpose Indoor Stadium, Navelim, Hockey facility at Peddem, Multipurpose Indoor Stadium, Pernem; Facilities to be refurbished: Multipurpose Indoor Stadium at Campal, Campal open ground, Multipurpose Indoor Stadium at Ponda, Multipurpose Indoor Stadium at Fatorda.
