Historic Torch Relay in Goa: Chief Minister and Sports Minister Rally Support for 37th National Games 2023

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A magnificent ceremony conducted at the Goa Assembly Secretariat, Alto-Porvorim Goa on October 10th saw Hon'ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant officially launch the torch relay for the much anticipated 37th National Games 2023.

Several dignitaries graciously attended the occasion, including Shri Govind Gaude, Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs, Smt. Swetika Sachan, Dr. Geeta S. Nagvenkar, Jt. CEO and Executive Director, SAG, Shri Arvind Khutkar, Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, among other important visitors.

The largest-ever National Games, featuring an amazing array of 43 sports categories, will be held in Goa this year, making history. A number of new sports disciplines, including beach football, rollball, golf, sepak takraw, sqay martial arts, kalaripayattu, and pencak silat, will make their medal-stage debuts at the 37th National Games.

Taekwondo and sailing are also triumphantly returning to the Games after being absent from the last iteration. The demonstration sports of gatka and lagori have been added to the event as a respect to tradition and culture and give a special dimension.

The Hon. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant spoke at the event and expressed his enormous pride in starting the torch relay from Goa, adding, "Today, as we begin the torch relay from Goa, I am filled with immense joy. The torch, representing the never-extinguishing flame of sportsmanship, represents the dedication to athletic greatness.

The torch will go through our lovely state in all 12 Talukas and will cover all important tourist spots in the evening, generating interest in the National Games and involving rural regions in this magnificent celebration. Rest assured that Goa is completely equipped to host this renowned event.

Let's work together to honour sports and India in sports as the torch symbolises the ethos of a never-extinguishing flame of sportsmanship.

The torch will visit all 12 talukas, which are well-known tourist destinations, before making its final stop on October 25 at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in advance of the inaugural ceremony on October 26.

We are at a turning point in Goa's athletic history, declared Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs Shri Govind Gaude while speaking at the ceremony. The 37th National Games are not just a one-time event in our eyes; rather, they are a road map for the state's revitalised sports environment. This edition will be the largest National Games ever held in the nation because to the record amount of sports disciplines included in it.

He further added, "I'm hoping these Games would rekindle Goa's enthusiasm in Olympic sports and bring them back into the public eye. The same level of devotion to the National Games displayed by the Goenkars is now being taken up by the general populace. I kindly ask that parents and instructors help children get motivated to participate in the National Games by enjoining them to do so."

The 37th National Games in 2023 seem to be a magnificent display of sportsmanship and teamwork that highlights the skill and spirit of the country. Almost 10,000 athletes, 2,000 officials, and 28 states and 8 union territories will compete in the prestigious event. Incidentally, the National Games Goa 2023 will be kicked off at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium by the sport of badminton, which will start seven days earlier.

Anxiety and excitement are growing for this monumental festival of sports as the torch begins its trip across the state of Goa.