Team Herald
PANJIM: The Goa government has decided to seek clarification from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) over the fate of 36th National Games, which are to be held in the State from October 20 to November 4 in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic,.
Sports Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar has urged Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant to take up the matter with IOA.
The global coronavirus outbreak has brought all sporting activities to a grinding halt worldwide. In India, major events like the Indian Premier League (IPL), scheduled in April-May, has also been postponed indefinitely so also the World 2020 Cup.
Speaking to section of media, Ajgaonkar said that Sports Department, on Saturday, wrote to the Chief Minister urging him to seek clarification from IOA over the fate of National Games.
"We were all set to host the National Games in November 2020. Now, with this kind of situation, we are not sure what will happen," he said.
The minister said the State is prepared to host the games, but needs at least three months advance notice. "Our infrastructure for the Games is ready. Our grounds are ready. We can host National Games any time," he said.
Goa reported total seven positive COVID-19 cases, of which six have been recovered.
The State was earlier supposed to host the 36th edition of the National Games in November 2018. However, the same was postponed and was supposed to be held from March 30 to April 14, last year.
But due to lack of infrastructure and general elections, the State expressed its inability to host the Games during that period.