PANAJI: The official mascot of the much-delayed 36th National Games of India, Rubigula, Flame-Throated Bulbul, was unveiled here Saturday.
Non-completion of the requisite infrastructure in Goa had been one of the reasons behind the multiple delays in hosting the Games, the last edition of which was held in Jharkhand in 2011.
The Games, which will be staged in Goa from October 20 to November 4, will see participation by 36 states and Union territories, 12,000+ athletes/officials and will host 37 sports disciplines across 24 venues in Goa.
The name for the mascot ‘Rubigula’ was chosen after sports enthusiasts from across India were invited to submit their suggestions through a social media contest.
Commenting during the launch event, Goa Chief Minister & chairman of the NGOC Pramod Sawant said: “There was no better way to begin the festivities for the National Games than the unveiling of the mascot ‘Rubigula’. The mascot incorporates the best elements and characteristics of Goa and the Goan people. It is another step forward for the preparations of the National Game and Rubigula will generate even more interest for these Games, especially among young people.”
“We are confident of successfully executing the event. We are on track to host the multi-discipline sporting event which will bring superlative talent from across India to the Goan turf. Through these Games, we also wish to showcase our culture, food, natural beauty and extend our hospitality to all the States and UTs that will be coming to Goa during the Games,” Sawant added.
Dy Chief Minister and Sports Minister of Goa, Babu Manohar Azgaonkar, said: “Enthusiasm and interest for the National Games Goa 2020 is growing and will continue to grow as we get even closer to the staging the country’s biggest multi-discipline sporting event. The infrastructure created for these Games will have long-term benefits for the state and its people in the years to come. With just nine months to go for the event, activities around the National Games are set to significantly increase in the coming months with Rubigula leading the flock. I urge everyone to actively participate to make the Games a successful event.”
Goa was originally supposed to host the 36th edition of the National Games in November 2018. However, the state later set aside dates for the event from March 30 to April 14 2019, but then expressed its inability to host the Games during that period owing to the general elections.
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