MARGAO: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said that with all major infrastructure work completed well in advance, he assured that Goa would host the best National Games ever.
Dr Sawant in the presence of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju digitally inaugurated the five indoor stadiums at Panaji, Ponda, Navelim, Sawalwada, and Fatorda all set to host the National Games. The indoor stadium at Navelim is named after the former Chief Minister of Goa late Manohar Parrikar.
Dr Sawant also announced that the full sports complex at Panaji will be also named after Parrikar, as the Panaji people demanded so. Besides, Sports Minister Babu Azgaonkar, MLA Luizinho Faleiro, Churchill Alemao, former minister Avertano Furtado, BJPs State president Sadanand Tanavde, former MLA Damu Naik and other dignitaries were also present at the function. Speaking further Dr Sawant said, "We have developed lots of infrastructure in the name of National Games and this in infrastructure is for the next 50 years", he stated. He further said that all should come together, living behind the political differences with regard to the development of Goa. "Few people only criticize the government. Hence people should verify the false propaganda going on by a few people. We are spending almost 750 crores on the infrastructure for the National Games. The hockey stadium is coming up at Mapusa. The indoor stadium at Pednem is one of its first kind, the biggest ever sports project in rural areas of Goa", he added. Earlier Sports Minister Babu Azgaonkar said that this is the first time in the history of sports that five stadiums are inaugurated at one time and also requested the Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to release more funds for sports activities in Goa.
"Goa government is working tirelessly to improve the sports-related infrastructure which will help in the betterment of sports in the state. Infrastructure facilities like these are the need of the hour", he added.
MLA Luizinho Faleiro and Churchill Alemao also addressed the gathering. In total, the construction and refurbishment cost for all five stadiums is estimated to be around Rs 120 crore. Goa Government will be spending a total of Rs 750 crore to host these Games in the state.