Panaji: Goa’s Hon. Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Shri Govind Gaude said that the credit for the success of the 37th National Games held in the state goes to every person involved – from the sweeper to the highest-ranking official.
He was speaking at the felicitation ceremony of the Gold medal winners of the Games on Tuesday.
“When I took over the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, I had only one focus: to organise the 37th National Games. The entire sports fraternity across the country were questioning Goa’s readiness. It was a tough and challenging period for us. We focussed on micro planning, and administration, spending sleepless nights. From the sweeper to the highest ranking official who have worked tirelessly for the success of the Games, I express my sincere gratitude to them,” he said.
“Even when it rained, all of them worked dedicatedly. Many of them used to wake up at 4am for their duties. I only told them to maintain transparency. They had only one goal – to organise the long-awaited National Games successfully. Goans put their trust in us and fully supported the Games. Even farmers gave permission to use their fields, while fishermen shut their business for 10 days,” he said.
Gaude said that determination, dedication and discipline are essential for success.
“I thank the Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for reposing his faith in us. I also thank Hon. Union Sports Minister Shri Anurag Thakur. I also thank our Hon. Chief Minister Dr . Pramod Sawant for his full backing. He told me to go ahead and I am there with you. People who came from various states appreciated the organisation of the Games by Goa,” he added.
Gaude also made a special mention of the MLAs who took it upon themselves to oversee the preparations.
“I thank all the 40 MLAs, including the opposition legislators who have supported the Games. Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas assured to oversee the work at the venues, while Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira’s support was there since the start. Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai even helped in overseeing the preparations at Margao and came for the inaugural ceremony. They kept politics aside in the larger interest of the Games,” he said.
Gaude also thanked the Chief Secretary, secretaries, bureaucrats, all government departments, sports associations, and agencies, and also made a special mention of Director of Sports and Youth Affairs Shri Arvind Khutkar and Sports Authority of Goa Executive Director Smt Geeta Nagvekar.