GOA: The apex governing body of sports in Goa, the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) has claimed that it will be requiring funds amounting to Rs. 4 billion for hosting the much-delayed 36th National Games from 30 March to 14 April 2019, Press Trust of India reports.
“We have requested the Union Government to sanction Rs 2.25 billion. In the past, the government has helped us by releasing over 100 crores during and prior to the Lusofonia Games. The athletics stadium at Bambolim was also supported by the government by giving Rs 155 million. We are very positive about receiving the central funds.
“The rest is contribution by the state. The budget is in the range of Rs 4 billion on various components like accommodation, equipment, training of the state teams, transport, food, ceremonies, medical aid, etc.” SAG executive director V M Prabhudesai was quoted as saying to PTI.
Prabhudesai recently met officials from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in the city and received their go-ahead for the event. While divulging further details, he also mentioned that five sports – Rugby, Wushu, Modern Penthatlon, Lawn Bowl, Billiards and Snooker, will be added in the roster.
“Opening and closing ceremonies will be held at PJN Stadium, Fatorda. Opening ceremony will be on 30 March and closing ceremony will be on 14 April,” Prabhudesai added.
Interestingly, the Games will conduct shooting and cycling competitions in New Delhi instead of Goa since the latter still lacks in facilities for the same. Kerala was another contender, but the capital city was eventually agreed upon.
“The state government has decided to hold the two sports in New Delhi. Earlier, we wanted to hold them in Kerala but now the GTCC officials have also recommended that there are better facilities in New Delhi than Kerala and since the two national federations are also based there, they would be in a better position to assist us and coordinate with us.
“Soon our technical and sports officials will visit the venues in New Delhi and examine the facilities as well as accommodation part. I must emphasise that these two games are being hosted by us. Only difference being that they are being held outside Goa for lack of these two facilities in Goa. They are not being hosted by any another state,” Prabhudesai signed off.
