) Sports Minister Govind Gaude on Tuesday said 156 athletes will be arriving in the state for the 37th National Games to be held in Goa from October 26.
Badminton is the first discipline that will commence from Thursday at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Taleigao, followed by Fencing and Volleyball.
“Today, 156 athletes will be landing at Dabolim airport and the Margao railway station. The Art and Culture Department will be welcoming them to the beats of Dhol and Tashe, as well as with flowers,” said Gaude.
VIPs, technical officials, volunteers, among others too will be arriving in Goa on Tuesday.
“I urge all Goans to welcome our athletes who will be arriving in the state in the spirit of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’. Hospitality is Goa’s prime motto,” said Gaude.
The Minister also said the PJN Stadium in Fatorda will be ready by October 23 for the inaugural ceremony which is slated for October 26 where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the chief guest.
“We have kept a breathing space of two days for carrying out any final touch-up, minor changes, among others. The Sports Village City at Campal will be ready by October 24. We have given instructions to all agencies, including Smart City, PWD, sewerage corporation, GSIDC, to halt works such as road-digging, etc, from October 25.”
“Our officials are working tirelessly round the clock. We are working to fulfil this dream. We pray to the almighty that everything goes smoothly,” said Gaude.
