Goa sportspersons to participate in Lusofonia Games

Panaji, Aug 16 (UNI) Goan sportspersons will represent India in five events in the first Lusofonia Games 2006 to be held from October 7 to 15 in Macau.

Goa Olympic Association president Subhash Shirodkar, who is also the Panchayat Raj Minister, and secretary Gurudatta Bhaktha told media persons that Goa will participate in five out of eight events -- athletics, football, taekwondo, table tennis, beach volleyball and volleyball.

Mr Shirodkar said twelve countries -- Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guineas-Bissau, Macau, China, Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome, Principe Associate Equatorial Guinea, India and Sri Lanka are participating in the Games.

Mr Shirodkar said it will be a good exposure for the Goan sportspersons and hoped they would perform well and fetch medals.

The Goa contingent will be funded by the Sports Authority of Goa.

Mr Bhakta informed that the total Indian contingent will have 76 members which includes 46 players, eight coaches, seven managers, and five officials.

UNI SRN MAZ DH KN1659