PANAJI
A delegation of Goa Olympic Association (GOA) called on Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday to discuss matters pertaining to the organisation of National Games, which will be held in the State.
The delegation was led by Union Minister of State for Defence and AYUSH and the GOA President Shripad Naik. Members of the delegation included the Secretary General Gurudatta Bhakta, Jayesh Naik (Secretary, Weightlifting Association of Goa), Sandeep Heble (Secretary, Goa Badminton Association), Sudesh Nagvekar (Secretary, Goa Swimming Association), Rajendra Godinho (Secretary, Goa Tennis Association), Sudesh Thakur (President, Goa Gymnastics Association) and Pankaj Joshi (President, Association of Goa Squash).
The chief minister was briefed about the pending incomplete infrastructure, in particular swimming pool complex at Panaji, tennis courts at Fatorda and squash stadium at Chicalim. Recommendations were made to host the National Games in October or November 2021, post the Tokyo Olympics.
Underscoring the need for establishment of Goa Olympic Bhavan, a request letter was submitted to Sawant for considering the allotment of land to the GOA to construct the ambitious project.
"We are happy with the outcome of this meeting where the chief minister gave us a patient hearing. Hosting the National Games is a prestige for Goa and we will need to convey our decision to the IOA which is expected to meet in December. The CM was very positive, he assured to look into various aspects as regards the Games organising and hold another meeting with us shortly. We are optimistic about hosting the National Games in October-November 2021," stated Naik.
