NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 2023 National Games in Panaji on October 25, as confirmed by Goa Sports Minister Govind Gaude in the Assembly on Friday.
The National Games will commence on October 25 and conclude on November 9, providing a significant boost to the sports culture in the state.
Hosting the National Games has been a long-cherished dream for the people of Goa, and efforts to make it a reality have been ongoing since 2012.
Apart from celebrating the sporting event, the hosting of the National Games is expected to leave a lasting legacy in the state.
The authorities are keen on developing a legacy plan that will continue to promote sports and its benefits even after the conclusion of the games.
The National Games will not only bring national and regional athletes together but will also create opportunities for sports enthusiasts in Goa to witness top-level competitions and engage in various sports-related activities.
The event is expected to leave a positive impact on the sports infrastructure, participation, and overall development of sports in Goa.
“There should be promotion of sports in the state due to the National Games. Our aim is to promote sports in the state in the wake of the National Games,” he said.
Gaude said the aim of the government is “not just to create a sportsperson for Goa but he should also play in the national team.”
The sports minister assured that the reward money for the medal winners, as promised by the state government, would be released before Ganesh Chaturthi festival (September).
He said that the state government will release Rs 2.54 crore for the associations as a grant and Rs 73 lakh for cash prizes for the medal winners.
Gaude said that the government is willing to allow the village panchayats, clubs and associations to maintain the grounds in their respective areas.
He said that the sports associations should play a role in maintaining the existing infrastructure.
Gaude said that the state government has fulfilled its commitment of providing grants to the sports associations.
“Some of the associations are not getting the grants as they have failed to provide the utilization certificates,” he said.
The minister also announced that the state will soon have Goa Youth Board which will oversee the implementation of state youth policy.
(With PTI inputs)
