‘Goa is ready,’ is how Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his half-an-hour-long 37th National Games inaugural ceremony speech, which was politically loaded, after which fireworks lit the late evening sky at Goa's well-illuminated Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda.
PM Modi entered the stadium on a mini-chariot that featured an Indo-Portuguese-styled Goan window in the back. After Modi took to the stage on the vehicle, he was greeted by whistles, screams, and cheers, even as the stadium was thriving with energy.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant handed over Goa's traditional musical instrument 'ghumot' to Modi.
GOA AND ITS VIBE
In his speech, Modi narrated India's journey in the field of sports and said that the journey of Mahakumbh of Indian Sports has arrived in Goa. "Goa has its own aura and there’s nothing like it,” he added.
He went on to praise Goa for its contribution to the country's sports and how the people here love football, a sport that is deeply rooted in the hearts of Goans.
SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE
He also made a mention about the budget that is allocated for sports and said that this year’s sports budget is three times more than the sports budget nine years ago.
READY FOR OLYMPICS
He assured the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that India is ready to organise the Youth Olympics in 2030 and the Olympics in 2036. "Our aspiration to organise the Olympics is not limited to just emotions. Rather, there are some solid reasons behind this. By 2036, India's economy and infrastructure will be well established," he asserted.
Pointing out to the current infrastructure of the National Games, Modi said that this will be useful to the youth of Goa for decades to come.
IMPROVING SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE
Earlier, during the opening CM Sawant too emphasised on strengthening Goa's infrastructure in sports and establishing a sports university, which he claims will provide specialised courses and training for the benefit of those who wish to pursue a career in sports.
Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur, also promised that 1000 Khelo India centres are likely to be established within this year in different parts of the country.
The five-hour-long function at the Fatorda stadium was attended by students, government employees, sportspersons and others.
The audience had to bear the scorching sun from 3 pm onwards and were only allowed to leave the stadium post 9 pm when the Prime Minister left the stadium.
POOR SOUND QUALITY
Though the light works at the event were impressive, the audience were clueless of what was being spoken at the event as the sound quality was too poor and the whistling and screaming were louder.
Also, the stage was positioned in such as way that the performances couldn't be seen much by the people.
The musical performances by Hema Sardesai, Sukhwinder Singh and Olavo, however, enthralled the audience. Also, the 37 dhol tashas were played in perfect rhythm to raise the tempo at the grand opening.
Goan windsurfer, Katya Coelho, and Indian hockey player, Harmanpreet Singh handed over the games torch to PM Modi.
No sooner PM Modi finished his speech and took his seat, fireworks lit the sky, followed by cultural performances.
The entire ceremony ended at 9.30 pm after which traffic jams were witnessed outside the Fatorda stadium, a normal feature after big ceremonies.