SAG targetting August to complete infra work for National Games

Goa hopes to complete infrastructure for the 36th National Games by August. In a mail sent to Games Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC) Chairman Mukesh Kumar, Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) Executive Director VM Prabhudesai said that tenders for overlay works have been "processed for internal approval, before issuing of an NIT (Notice Inviting Tender)."

"...we are targeting August 2020 for completion of all works," said Prabhudesai in the mail.

"All required formalities for crucial sports equipment that was to be imported have been completed. The rest of the equipment are to be domestically procured, the processes are much easier and can be operated with a fixed window period," Prabhudesai further said in the mail. The Games is scheduled to be held from October 20 to November 4.

Goa remains a Green Zone for the coronavirus pandemic. However, this does not help in the uncertainty surrounding the much delayed National Games. The Goa government had in April written to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) seeking clarity on the future course of action to be taken for the conduct of the games.

"The hosting of the National Games had come up for discussion with authorities and it has been internally decided to proceed with all required arrangements till 31/05/2020, post which, after assessing the COVID 19 situation at that point in time, and in consultation with the lOA, a suitable decision could be arrived on the conduct of the Games, for which the assured participation by the qualified teams will be the single most important factor," Goa Sports Secretary Ashok Kumar wrote in a letter to IOA General Secretary Rajeev Mehta.

"Nothing can be more assuring at these difficult times, except hope and I wish to hear your views on the future course."