PANAJI: ‘Team Goa’ was accorded a send-off at a special programme at Estela Hall, Clube Tennis De Gaspar Dias, Miramar, today. The state athletes/sportspersons will participate in athletics, badminton, beach volleyball, boxing, cycling, football, gymnastics, judo, kabaddi, mallakhamb, athletics, triathlon and wushu at the ongoing National Games 2022 in Gujarat.
Sports Minister Govind Gaude, Union Minister & G.O.A President Shripad Naik, Secretary Sports Ajit Roy, SAG Executive Director Ajay Gaude, G.O.A Secretary-General Gurudatta Bhakta and ‘Chef De Mission’ Anagha Warlikar graced the occasion and distributed the kits to the participating teams and athletes / officials. Arjuna Awardee Bruno Coutinho and International wind-surfer Katya Coelho joined the dignitaries in unveiling the official Goa jerseys for the National Games 2022.
“Due to the efforts of our government led by visionary Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India have bounced back in all sectors including sports,” said Naik refereeing to the cheer in the sports fraternity following two years of frustration due to pandemic. He also went on to declare cash prizes on behalf of G. O. A for medallists at upcoming National Games with Rs 30 Thousand being the reward for Gold medal, Rs 20 Thousand for Silver while Rs 15 Thousand would be presented to the Bronze medallist.
Sports Minister, Govind Gaude emphasised that he doesn’t want the players to give any excuse of lack of support from the government as it used to happen in the past.
“We are going to render every support at any cost. But, for that we want the result. We can see from the confidence reflected on the faces of our sportspersons, that we are going to get the laurels,” said Gaude.
Ajit Roy, IAS, analysed the performance of Goa from the past and believes that Goa can spring a surprise.
“We have to make this National Games very special. We are going to take part in 13 disciplines and please make sure that you come back with 13 gold medals. That should be our target,” said Roy.
Ajay Gaude announced that the cost of the contingent’s kitting, travel grants, participation fees and ceremonial kits; comes to Rs 68 Lakh. The expenses will be borne by the Govt of Goa, he added. “We have done necessary requirement for your send off to Gujarat and we expect you will give the best,” said Gaude, who is renowned for his administrative skills.
Bhakta hailed the arrival of Govind Gaude on the Goan sports scenario, saying that the Sports Minister with his commanding style has brought the much-needed energy into the field. “His personality has infused a lot of enthusiasm into us and there is a feeling that it will lead to good days for sports,” said Bhakta.
On the occasion, Chetan Kavlekar(Archery), Irvin Soares and Raghuvir Shinde(Boxing) who were allotted assignments at the Games by their respective Federations, and Sandhya Palikar who was recently elected as President of the Modern Pentathlon Federation of India were felicitated by the dignitaries.
