37th National Games Goa 2023 begins with lamp-lighting ceremony by CM Pramod Sawant

Goa: The much-anticipated 37th National Games Goa was inaugurated at
the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium on Thursday with a lamp-lighting ceremony
by the Chief Guest of the event, Hon’ble Chief Minister Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant. The Chief
Minister received a floral welcome by the Hon’ble Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Goa,
Shri. Govind Gaude.

Jennifer Monserrate, MLA for Taleigao; Amitabh Sharma, Chairman GTCC &
Executive Council Member IOA; Swetika Sachan, Secretary (Sports) & CEO, NGOC; Dr.
Geeta Nagvenkar, Jt. CEO and Executive Director, SAG; Krishna (Daji) Salkar, MLA Vasco
Da Gama; Shiny De Oliveira, a member of the Zilla Panchayat; and Jennifer De
Oliveira, the Sarpanch, also graced the event with their presence. Shri. Arvind Khutkar,
Director, Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs (DYSA), thanked all the dignitaries for their
invaluable contributions and ensuring the facilitation of a seamless National Games.

The presence of the dignitaries ignited the spirit of the players and encouraged them to
perform their best. Moreover, the Chief Minister, Sports Minister and the MLA boosted the
vigour of the spectators and students by showcasing their badminton skills on the court.

The appearance of Moga, the mascot of the National Games, in the stadium added an element
of excitement among the spectators. The stadium was filled with the chants of Moga by
students and spectators alike. This ceremony also marked the beginning of the Badminton
tournament, which started at the same venue.

Chief Minister Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant said: “I welcome all the athletes and officials
from across the country. With his vision of One Nation One Spirit, Prime Minister 
Narendra Modi will be with us to officially inaugurate the Games (on October 26). This is a
dream we have harboured for the past 10 years and immense efforts have been placed to host
the event to the picturesque shores of Goa. This edition of the National Games will be a great
success. I hope it will serve as the perfect platform for all athletes to shine in the future at the
Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. While, our beautiful state is
renowned for its sea and sand, we aspire for it to be equally celebrated for its sporting
prowess. Keeping up the sporting spirit, I request everyone in Goa to welcome our badminton
players and officials from across India with open arms.”

Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Goa, Govind Gaude said: “This was indeed
a proud moment for India and Goa. I welcome our Chief Minister Goa, Dr. Pramod
Sawant, the local MLA, Sarpanch, along with all the badminton players, officials, delegates,
and the students present here. We invite the people of Goa to join us and witness the thrilling
badminton matches at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium. Our Prime
Minister Narendra Modi has got a great vision and encourage each athlete for taking
India ahead in the field of sports. In line with that, we are marching ahead with the 37th
National Games Goa. We are certain this tournament will be a great success.”

The official opening ceremony of the 37th National Games Goa will take place on October 26th
at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.