MARGAO
“We have a set a benchmark and we are ready to host any sporting event,” said Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco of his overall impression of the National Games which recently concluded in the State.
Lourenco admitted that a few hiccups here and there, which are bound to happen in an event like this, but overall it was "good" for the athletes in terms of infrastructure and other facilities.
“First and foremost, I want to congratulate everybody from the chief minister to the sports minister to each and every bureaucrat including the last person, the person who put the last nail in the structure which is temporary or permanent. I want to congratulate them and I want to tell them that we really appreciate your services,” said Lourenco, while speaking to reporters.
Regarding criticism, he said people rarely appreciate the good work. “For anything you do there is criticism and there is appreciation; appreciation is always less, therefore first I will appreciate. So, I liked the work, and I checked with the athletes. They said that the facilities were quite good.”
He said there were certain areas where mistakes happened and it needs to be rectified so that such mistakes do not happen in the future. “We had some hiccups which we have to correct. Mistakes happen but mistakes have to be corrected and rectified and we have to go forward,” he added.
The National Games, he said, is a "benchmark" and "we have to move ahead from here on on the sporting front in terms of organisation of big national and international events."
“This is a benchmark - the National Games is a benchmark for the entire nation and world that we are ready or rather we can showcase what we have done,” he said. “Talking doesn't help but actions speak louder than words; like when you hold a Games; you know your capacity. Now, we have to beat our records, a benchmark is set regarding the National Games.”
