Panaji (Goa) Minister  for Sports, Govt.  of Goa, Mr. Manohar Ajgaonkar today said,  “ The Indian Olympic Association  has awarded  the hosting rights  of the  36th National  Games to Goa   scheduled  for November 2018 and has asked the  Govt.  of Goa  to proceed  with the preparations for the mega event.”

Mr. Ajgaonkar  made this  mega  announcement  in a statement  issued  on Wednesday soon  after  receiving an official  communication from, Mr. Rajeev Mehta,  Secretary General, Indian Olympics Association addressed to  the Hon’ble  Chief Minister of Goa, Mr. Manohar Parrikar.

Mr.   Ajgaonkar said, “With the blessings,   support and  guidance of  our  Hon’ble Chief Minister, we will now take a giant step  forward  in accelerated speed  to complete the infrastructure  and other facilities  to  ensure that these Games in 2018  become  historic  and the best among all the games  held so far.There is no looking back now.”

He further said, “ I thank Indian Olympic Association  for considering our request  and  accepting our proposal  to host the National Games in 2018.” He also thanked   the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs and  Sports Minister, Mr. Harshvardhan Rathod saying, “ I am confident  that being  a sportsman himself he  will extend his full co-operation to Goa.”

The IOA has acknowledged and  appreciated the efforts  made by the  Govt.  of Goa in the recent  years to expedite  the  hosting of the  National Games.

The Govt. of Goa and the National Games Organizing  Committee have been directed to work in close tandem  with regards to the preparations of the event.

Various components  with regards to protocol  and  ceremonies, accommodation Games Village, hospitality and co-ordination, transportation and  other segments  will be mandated  to the Host City.