More than 40 disciplines likely to get nod for National Games in Goa

Panaji: The 37th edition of the National Games in Goa is expected to be the biggest ever with more than 40 disciplines expected to be included.
The last edition in Gujarat had 36 disciplines, while Kerala had 33 when the southern state hosted the National Games in 2015.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has confirmed 38 disciplines so far with six disciplines – golf, lagori, roll ball, sqay martial arts, pencak silat and gatka -- jostling for inclusion either as a medal sport or demonstration at this edition of the National Games, scheduled to commence between November 24-26.
According to sources, pencak silat is likely to be added to the existing list, while other sports will know of their fate when the final list is announced at the logo launch on Sunday.
“The National Games is being hosted at the end of October and first week of November in Goa and the first programme related to it is the logo launch,” sports minister Govind Gaude told reporters on Wednesday. “The preparations are in progress. As for how many disciplines will be there, we are waiting for approval. It is expected to be announced on the day of the logo launch.”
According to sources, once the logo is launched on Sunday, more events surrounding the National Games will follow, the first of which will be the release of the theme song and mascot.
For the logo launch on Sunday, the state government has invited Union sports minister Anurag Thakur and minister of state for youth affairs and sports, Nisith Pramanik. IOA president PT Usha and IOA acting CEO Kalyan Chaubey is also on the guest list.
“The logo launch will be a big event with over 1,000 people in attendance. Ministers, MLAs and high-ranking officials will be there,” said another official.
The logo launch event will be held at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee stadium on Sunday at 6.15pm.
Goa signed the host city contract in 2008 to host the National Games in 2011 but there have been multiple delays since then. Frustrated at the delays, the IOA took the 36th edition of the Games from Goa and handed it to Gujarat last year.