PANAJI, Goa: The Goa state government on Friday unveiled details of the 37th edition of the National Games, which will feature a record-breaking 43 sports, including both Olympic and indigenous disciplines.
The previous edition of the National Games, hosted in Gujarat, featured 36 disciplines, while Kerala’s 2015 edition included 33.
The Olympic-style multisport event, featuring participation from over 10,000 athletes representing 28 states and 8 union territories, is scheduled to take place from October 26th to November 9th at 28 venues across Goa. It bears noting though that cycling and golf, which have been included as disciplines at these Games, are slated to be held in Delhi.
The 37th National Games will mark the debut of several new sports disciplines on the medal stage, including beach football, roll ball, golf, sepaktakraw, sqay martial arts, kalliyarapattu, and pencak silat.
Additionally, yachting and taekwondo are making a return to the Games after their exclusion during the last edition. Moreover, to celebrate tradition, the sports of lagori and gatka have been included as demonstration sports, adding a unique and cultural dimension to the event.
State Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant expressed his vision for Goa, stating: “We aim to create a thriving sports ecosystem in Goa. While tourists have long enjoyed our beautiful beaches, we now intend to attract sports enthusiasts from around the world. We’ve successfully hosted events like Ironman, drawing athletes globally, and the World Table Tennis event with participants from 22 countries. With our state-of-the-art infrastructure developed for the National Games, we invite sports associations and national federations to utilize these facilities year-round for their events. Our goal is to take sports in Goa to new heights.”
Sports minister Govind Gaude emphasizing the significance of this historic event, noted, “The 37th National Games is not just an event; it’s a source of inspiration for sports enthusiasts and athletes across the length and breadth of our diverse nation. As we prepare to host this historic event in the heart of Goa, we are not only celebrating sports but also carrying forward the legacy of the Asian Games.
He added, “We aim to do more than encourage participation; we aspire to ignite a passion for sports in every individual, from every corner of India. This is an opportunity for athletes to not only compete but also to tell their stories, inspire the next generation, and showcase their remarkable talent to the nation. Together, we will make the 37th National Games an event to remember, a symbol of unity, and a stepping stone for the future of sports in India.”
Expressing her enthusiasm for the upcoming sports event, Secretary of Sports & CEO, National Games Organising Committee (NGOC), Swetika Sachan said: “As we tirelessly strive to establish new standards in organization, hospitality, and sportsmanship, we eagerly await the arrival of athletes from every corner of our diverse nation. Our vision for the National Games 2023 in Goa is not just about sporting excellence but also about fostering lasting friendships and embracing the true essence of sportsmanship. We invite the media to partner with us in amplifying Goa’s exceptional sporting spirit and prowess. Together, let’s script a historic chapter in the annals of Indian sports.”
