Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant on Tuesday, set off torch relay to travel across all 12 talukas in view of the 37th National Games Goa 2023.
Sports Minister Govind Gaude, Secretary of Sports & CEO, NGOC Swetika Sachan; Dr. Geeta S Nagvenkar, Jt. CEO and Executive Director, SAG; Arvind Khutkar, Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs; were also present at the torch relay ceremony at the Goa Legislature Secretariat, Porvorim.
“Today, as we commence the torch relay from Goa, I am filled with immense pride. The torch, a symbol of the eternal flame of sportsmanship, embodies the commitment to athletic excellence. Be assured, Goa is fully prepared to host this prestigious event, and the torch will journey through our beautiful state in all 12 Talukas and will cover all major tourist destinations in the evening, igniting enthusiasm for the National Games and involving rural areas in this grand celebration,” stated the Chief Minister.
The torch will travel to all 12 talukas, prominent tourist spots with the final stay of the torch at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on October 25th prior to the opening ceremony on October 26th. The Games conclude on 9th November.
“We are at the defining moment in the sporting history of Goa. We are not looking at the 37th National Games as a mere event but a roadmap for rejuvenated sports ecosystem for the state. 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 that these Games will create new interest and focus on Olympic Sports in Goa. The kind of love shown by the Goenkars for the National Games is becoming a people’s initiative. I urge students to be part of this process and request their parents and teachers to motivate them to be part of National Games,” said Gaude.
The prestigious Games will see participation from 28 states and 8 union territories, with over 10,000 athletes and 2,000 officials. Notably, badminton will lead the charge, commencing seven days before the Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the National Games Goa 2023 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
