Goa, October 26th, 2023: Despite his hectic schedule overseeing the preparations for the Opening Ceremony of the 37th National Games to be held at PJN Stadium, Fatorda today, Hon. Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Shri Govind Gaude made time to visit 3 injured athletes who are admitted at Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim.
One Goan female weightlifter was suffering from fever and headache since Wednesday morning. The medical staff informed Gaude that the athlete has no fever at present and is under observation, and she will be discharged by Friday. “Don’t be afraid, you are a sportsperson. You have to be perfect and upright. I wish you all the best. I specially came to visit you’ll as it is my duty,” he assured the female athlete.
He also met a Goan rugby player who had a blackout and seizure during a match. ““How are you feeling now? Don’t worry, all the best,” he told the athlete. A rugby athlete from Mumbai, Maharashtra who fractured his leg and was operated on priority, told Gaude that the facilities at GMC are good and the treatment was excellent. “Don’t worry. You have the sportsman spirit. They will take good care of you. God bless you,” Gaude assured him, and also had a word of praise for hospital staff. “You are doing absolutely good work.”
Later Gaude told reporters, “I came to GMC to inquire about their well-being. For the Maharashtra athlete, we were coordinating till late evening yesterday. GMC doctors administered fast treatment on him. Those were the directions from us. Such things happen to athletes during sports,” he said.
“Goa is all set. If any situation arises, we will not have any sort of pressure or tension to arise. GMC doctors and ground staff are doing a wonderful job. Health teams deployed at the venues are giving their best services to my athletes.
Today, the Prime Minister is coming for the opening ceremony. Despite this, my first and foremost duty is to my Indian athletes and inquire about their well-being. This is an exclusive ward for the National Games. Even ICU is reserved for the athletes. The entire health department team is ready,” he added.