Goa CM Digambar Kamat and President of Indian Olympic Association Suresh Kalmadi have signed a contract awarding hosting right of 36th National Games in 2011 to Goa.
PANAJI: Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat and President of Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Suresh Kalmadi have signed a contract awarding hosting right of 36th National Games in 2011 to the coastal state.
"This is a red letter day in the history of Goan sports and the state will develop world class infrastructure for the games, which will remain permanently and be beneficial for youth of the state," Kamat, after signing the contract on Sunday, said.
"This is just the beginning as the Indian Olympic Association has reposed great faith in Goa to host the 36th edition," he added.
Earlier, Goa narrowly missed the hosting right of the National Games in 2005.
Kamat also thanked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi for directing the Planning Commission to expedite the clearance of funds for development of the infrastucture for the event.
"I asssure the Indian Olympic Association that the National Games in Goa will be a memorable one and said that whoever comes to Goa will carry with them some fond memories and no athlete will go back without carring back with him some fond memories of Goa and the games," Kamat said.
Kalmadi hoped that besides being a tourist destination, Goa will also become a sports destination as the infrastructure will be used to host more national and international tournaments.
"The national games would change the sporting scenario in the state and, I think, Indians will return with a bagful of medals at the Commonwealth Games and Olympics in future," Kalmadi said.
Goa Sports Minister Babu Azgaonkar, who was also present on the occasion, insisted the process for land acquisition is in progress and the State Government has already sanctioned funds for the same to complete the process within three to four months.
Neura will be developed as the sports village, which will host various centres including boating, rock climbing, sports medicine facilities, rest house and yoga centre.
"Other world class infrastructure will also be put on place with the help of Rs 500 crore funds sanctioned by the Central Government," Azgaonkar said.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}