Goa to host 52nd National School Games from January 8

Panaji, Jan 5 (UNI) Goa will host the 52nd National School Games at Campal here from January 8.

In the event, about 2,500 participants, including officials from 25 states and Union Territories are expected to participate in the swimming, diving and water polo championships.

Talking to reporters here today, Sports Minister Pandurang Madkaikar, who is also the chairman of the organsing committee, said the events in swimming and diving will be held in U-14, 17 and 19 categories for both the boys and girls, while water polo events will be held only for U-19 boys.

Susana D'Souza, the organising secretary, said they have received the confirmation from 14 teams so far. Besides the hosts, the others include Kendriya Vidyalaya, Lakshadweep, IPSC, Maharashtra, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Hyderabad, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Pondicherry and Andaman and Nicobar.

The School Games Federation of India has appointed special officials to officate the championship in swimming, diving and water polo. The Swimming Federation of India has also given its consent to depute the renowned chief refree Kamlesh Nanavati from Mumbai, who will be assisted by about 16 qualified officials from various parts of the country.

Madkaikar will inaugurate the Games on Monday in the presence of former Olympian Mahabali Arjuna awardee Padmashree Satpal, who is also president of School Games Federation of India. Chief Minister Pratapsinh Rane will attend the closing ceremony and give away the prizes to the winners.

UNI