Sports Minister Govind Gaude has taken a hands-on approach to ensure the preparedness for 37th National Games, with players beginning to arrive in the state from 17 October.
The Manohar Parrikar Sports Complex at Campal is the major venue with around 13-14 disciplines to be hosted in Panaji.
“Many venues have been inspected. While some changes are incorporated with timely suggestions. We are trying to resolve practical difficulties, by not only inspecting, ensuing directions to the ground staff and leaving. We are trying to ensure everything is fair. Hence, the reason for this late-night visit,” said Gaude after the inspection at Campal.
A cultural programme centre will also be set up. German hangars and tents are being erected. The organisers are anticipating that the work on the Games Village will be completed at Campal by 20th October.
Technical officials will inspect the venue for fine-tuning. “If there is rainfall, we have ensured that trenches are in place, and suction pumps will drain out the water. The base platform is kept at a height of 14 inch. We held a crucial meeting with police for security, transportation planning, including anticipating traffic, etc. There are two control rooms. We plan to install GPS on every vehicle associated with Games. Arrival to venue and departure will have
different vehicles, while there will be exclusive vehicles for athletes from the venue to the accommodation sites,” Gaude signed off.
Gaude is also inspiring the general public with his presence at the torch relay.
“Every child that is born learns to play before walking, and it is with this spirit that that child learns to walk and plays and stumbles many times. The curiosity regarding the Games is growing by the day among Goans. We are organising the National Games for the benefit of Goans, and they have an opportunity to participate in it. Students were present, they have shown patience that is the sporting spirit, Many Goan athletes are participating,” said the Sports Minister during Torch relay in Marcel.
“Through this rally, we want to instill a sense of national pride in the hearts of every person, especially youngsters,” he added.
