PANAJI: Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant has assured to expedite the pending matters related to National Games so that Goa will be ready to host the oft-postponed Games next year, said Goa Olympic Association (GOA) president Shripad Naik.
A GOA delegation called on Dr Sawant at his official residence at Altinho, Panaji on Thursday.
The delegation was led by Union Minister of State for Defence and AYUSH, Shripad Naik. Other members included GOA 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).
Dr Sawant was briefed about the incomplete infrastructure, particularly 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, after the Tokyo Olympics.
“We are happy with the outcome of this meeting where Hon. CM 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. CM was very positive, he assured to look into various aspects as regards the Games and hold another meeting with us shortly. We are optimistic about hosting the National Games in October – November 2021.”
Shripad Naik, President, G. O. A
Underscoring the need for establishment of Goa Olympic Bhavan, a request letter was submitted to the CM for considering the allotment of land to the GOA to construct this ambitious project.
