PANAJI
Amid speculations on Goa’s ill-preparedness for the upcoming National Games, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said that the State is ‘fully prepared’ to host the much-awaited 37th edition of the event.
“Goa is fully prepared to host this prestigious event,” he said after inaugurating the torch relay along with Sports Minister Govind Gaude at Porvorim. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the Games on October 26.
The opposition has been raising questions on Goa’s preparedness citing various hiccups such as proper sports grounds and high-class facilities for athletes and coaches.
The torch relay will run through all the 12 talukas and cover major tourist destinations. After travelling across Goa, the torch will arrive at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on October 25 - the eve of the opening ceremony on October 26.
“With the record number of sports disciplines incorporated in the current edition, this edition will be the biggest-ever National Games organised in the country. I am hopeful these Games will create new interest and focus on Olympic Sports in the State,” Gaude assured.
Over 10,000 athletes from 28 states and 8 union territories besides 2,000 officials will participate in the event with badminton to take the lead. Among 43 sports, several new sports are also included while some games such as yachting and taekwondo will make a comeback after their exclusion the last time.
