Goa: Stating that he is working hard to hold beach volleyball for the 37th National Games in Goa, Hon. Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Shri Govind Gaude on Saturday said that he has written to the Indian Olympic Association and Union Sports Ministry in this regard.
“I have written to the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Hon. Union Minister, and Union Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs to give Sports Authority of India responsibility so that
they can participate in the Games in Goa. I have only that option. I am trying very hard, but nothing has happened yet. I am trying to hold beach volleyball. We have readied the locations for the sport.
But there is some internal conflict. As the state, we are trying our best, but finally, they have to take the decision,” he said.
The medal presentation ceremony was held for the first disciplines that began since 19 October, which Gaude said was organised smoothly at the highest level.
“I feel very proud. We held the medal presentation ceremony for the first part of the Games that began on 19 October. It was one of the most memorable sports presentations. It was a power-packed
presentation, organised at the highest level. There was proper planning, proper organisation and smooth functioning. We are working to make the National Games a success. Teamwork leads to
success and victory. This is just the beginning, let us wait till the end on 9 November where our closing ceremony will conclude at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukerjee Stadium,” he said.
On the issue of some Goan players being ignored for badminton, he brushed aside any problems.“There is no issue. The list was ready. Regarding all sports, the Government of India has issued a letter to the respective associations saying 70% of Goans by birth should be taken. The balance 30%, as per rule of IOA and national federation, if any athlete of any part of the country lives in the state 6 months prior to the Games may be allowed to participate in that respective state,” he said.
“Our Goans have played in other states. It is the athletes who represent the country. The rules and regulation of the constitution of every association are being followed. Every association has their own constitution, it can’t be violated. In some cases, there are no Goan players at all as Goa is participating in only 36 disciplines. Some 2-3 sports are not being played at all in Goa. The state’s Sports Authority of Goa only acts as the bridge between the associations, national federations and the state.
We have explored the best possible solutions, and that has been done,” he said.
Gaude said that 5 games will kick off before the opening ceremony
“On Sunday, netball will begin at Campal. We have ample time and these few days are an opportunity for us to fine-tune and rectify any mistakes. I am thankful to the public and students involved in the organisation of the Games. I also thank the Hon. Prime Minister, Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, and our Chief Minister has given his wholehearted support to organise these Games,” he said.
