Goa government has sent a formal proposal to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to host the National Games in September 2017. Goa was earlier scheduled to host the Games from November 5- 19, 2016. Goa government had requested the Games to be deferred due to the possibility of early assembly elections.
“Initially we had requested (Indian Olympics Association) that Goa should not be asked to host the National Games scheduled in November 2016 as we were expecting early elections (for the Goa Legislative Assembly),” informed State Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar. (Source: PTI)
“But now the state government is ready and a formal proposal has been submitted to IOA stating that the National Games can be hosted in Goa in September 2017,” he added in the same report.
He also mentioned that a field for Archery would be in Poinguinim. While other places are being explored to create infrastructure for the National Games. IOA had previously threatened to fine Goa Rs 10 crore if it did not adhere to the deadline of November 2016.
Breakdown of the expenditure on the National Games
In March, the Sports Minister had disclosed that total expenditure on the games would be 626.15 crores. The state government till now has received Rs 97.80 crores from the Central government. The proposal for more assistance was submitted to the Centre.
- For new projects – Rs 182.22 crore
- Raising temporary – Rs 10 crore
- Cost for organising the games – Rs 180 crore
- Accommodation for athletes – Rs 150 crore
- For refurbishing six venues across Goa – Rs 103.03
The six venues to be refurbished are Ponda Sports Complex, swimming pool, Fatorda, Tilak Maidan, Vasco, Campal Sports Complex -Indoor hall, Campal open ground and the administrative building at Campal.
