Goa to host 36th National Games in 2011

NT NETWORK
Posted on 2008-09-15
MARGAO - It’s official, the 36th edition of the National Games will be held in Goa in 2011 as the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat and the president of the Indian Olympic Association, Mr Suresh Kalmadi signed the Host City Contract at a glittering function in a south Goa hotel on Sunday.
Mr Manohar Azgaonkar, sports minister, Mr Subash Shirodkar, the president of the Goa Olympic Association, Mr Randhir Singh, secretary general of the Indian Olympic Association, Mr J P Singh, chief secretary, Dr M Modassir, sports secretary, Dr Susana D’Souza, director of sports and youth affairs, Mr V M Prabhudessai, executive director of SAG and Mr Gurudatta Bhakta, GOA secretary were also present to grace the historic moment.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Kamat said: “Today is a red letter day in the history of Goan sports and Goa will develop world class infrastructure for the Games, which will remain permanently and be beneficial for Goan youth.”
Speaking further, he said that this is just the beginning and that the Indian Olympic Association has reposed great faith in Goa to host the 36th edition. He said that Goa narrowly missed out to host the games in 2005. However this time, nobody raised any doubts on Goa’s ability to host the games.
Mr Kamat also said that he had repeatedly requested the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh and the chairperson on the United Progressive Alliance, Ms Sonia Gandhi to allow Goa to host the National Games and that the had PM committed that the 2011 Games will be in Goa. He also said that the Prime Minister had directed the planning commission to expedite the clearance of funds for the development of infrastructure for the Games.
Mr Kamat also assured the Indian Olympic Association that the National Games in Goa will be a memorable one and said that whoever comes to Goa have carried with them some fond memories and no athlete will go back without carrying back with him some fond memories of Goa and the Games.
Meanwhile, Mr Kalmadi also said that it is a historical day for sports in Goa and added that besides being a tourist destination, Goa will also be a sports destination. Mr Kalmadi also added that besides hosting the National Games, he hoped that the infrastructure will be used to host more national and international tournaments and the Lusofonia Games.
He also hailed the centre for doubling the budget for Olympic sports from Rs 400 crore to 800 crore and said that the athletes will be put through 300 days of training besides 100 days abroad, hiring of coaches and fitness so that India can produce world class athletes.
Mr Kalmadi also said that the national games would change the sporting scenario in the state, which is already sports crazy and that better infrastructure will further boost sports in the state. He also expressed confidence that Indians will return with a bag full of medals at the Commonwealth Games and Olympics in the future. He also had a word of praise for the directorate of sports and youth affairs for doing a good job in organising the Youth Baton Relay, which passed through Goa on September 12 and 13.
Speaking on the occasion Mr Azgaonkar said, “give me support and I will give you the best National Games” and added that it has been a long-cherished dream and said that Neura will be developed as the sports village, which will host various centres including boating, rock climbing, sports medicine facilities, rest house and yoga center. That apart, other world-class infrastructure will also be developed with the help of the Rs 500 crore funds sanctioned by the central government.
He also added that the process for land acquisition is in the process and the state government has already sanctioned funds for the same and the process will be completed within 3-4 months. Mr Azgaonkar also said that a central agency to manage the arrangements will be in place at the earliest.
He said that stress will also be laid on the quality of infrastructure and said that he hoped that the facilities will attract tourists and in the long run this infrastructure will earn revenue, which can be utilized for athletes.
Mr J P Singh assured full support from the administration in developing the infrastructure in time and also congratulated the IOA for winning 3 medals at the Olympics and for putting their faith in Goa for hosting such a mega event. Dr Susana in her welcome address said that Goans have made India proud in the past and said that the sports-crazy Goans will get an opportunity for better infrastructure and that the event would change the sports scenario in Goa. She also called upon all departments to work collectively for organsing the game and called upon the youth to make use of the infrastructure to improve their skills.
Around 10,000 participants from all over the country are expected to participate in 30 disciplines with around 2000 officials.