The Goa Olympic Association (GOA) on Wednesday launched the state jersey that will be worn by Goa’s athletes taking part in the 37th National Games that are currently underway in the state.

The jersey was launched by CEO of the National Games organising committee, Swetika Sachan IAS and Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) executive director and joint CEO of the Games Dr Geeta Nagvekar.

Speaking on the occasion, General Secretary of the GOA Gurudatta Bhakta said that the jersey has been designed in a manner that represents the natural beauty of Goa.

“Goa is a beautiful and small state. The people of Goa are waiting to welcome people from all over India. We are happy to receive 10,000 guests and athletes. A jersey is a representative of the state and when designing the jersey, we kept in mind Goa’s natural beauty, football, fish and feni heritage spirit of Goa,” Bhakta said.

The GOA has also designed mementos for the federation chiefs of other states and other official staff that will be accompanying the athletes delegations and will be presented to them during their visit in the state.

The mementos include a shawl as well as Goa’s heritage drink feni which will be handed in a neat package to all the guests.

The National Games Sports Village was officially inaugurated this morning at Campal Ground, Goa, marking a historic moment in the realm of multi-sporting events. Following this grand opening, the weightlifting event for the national games was also launched, setting the stage for a remarkable series of competitions.

The National Games Sports Village is an innovative concept designed to bring athletes and cultures from all corners of the nation together. It serves as a hub for unity and camaraderie, where participants from diverse states and backgrounds converge to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship.

At the weightlifting competition inauguration, Sports Minister Govind Gaude expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I spoke to the Weightlifting Federation Chairman, and he was pleased to see that the facilities and equipment provided are at par with world-class events.” This acknowledgment underscores the commitment to ensuring that the sporting infrastructure in Goa meets international standards.

Unlike traditional sports villages that provide temporary accommodation, the National Games Sports Village in Goa takes a unique approach. This decision has been made with a dual purpose in mind. Firstly, it aims to bolster tourism in the state by leveraging the plethora of hotel options already available. Secondly, it is due to space constraints, as accommodating all 10,000 athletes at a single location would have been logistically challenging.

The National Games Sports Village features several exciting sections, ensuring that athletes have a complete experience during their stay. In addition to world-class sports facilities, there are dedicated areas for food and entertainment. Athletes can take a break from their rigorous training routines and soak in the vibrant Goan atmosphere while enjoying the picturesque surroundings.

This ambitious initiative promises to make the National Games in Goa a truly memorable and unique sporting event. With the Sports Village as its centerpiece, the games are set to not only showcase the athletic prowess of the nation but also the cultural diversity and beauty of Goa. We invite everyone to come and witness this extraordinary celebration of sports and unity.

Martial arts loss has been weightlifting’s gain. Sound weird right. But had taekwondo coaches not rejected, weightlifter Charu Pesi would have never tried his hand at lifting a barbell for a sporting career.

The Arunachal Pradesh born weightlifter, who now represents his employer Services, is gearing up for his second successive National Games medal and says his preparations have been top notch.

“I am ready for the Goa National Games and after that I will focus on international events,” he said on the eve of the start of weightlifting competition in the 37th National Games at Campal Grounds.

Explaining how he ended becoming a lifter, Charu said he had to move to Itanagar from Chambang village for education purpose and faced bulling from other students.

“Friends often used to beat me for fun. To avoid this, I decided to learn Taekwondo as I was interested in sports like Karate and Taekwondo and joined a sports academy in Itanagar,” he said.

But the coaches rejected him and hence Charu decided to try his luck in weightlifting thanks to a suggesting from fitness instructor M K Pegu.

Charu won the first state silver medal in 2016 and won the gold a year later. He went on to win the 2019 Youth and Junior National Championships gold and hasn’t looked back since.

When asked how he prepares before the match, Charu said, “I never think about the result. I always focus on myself and try to give my best. Before the start of the match, I always keep repeating that I am the best and no one else, only I will win.”

Telangana’s M Tharun overpowered the experienced Sourabh Varma with his smashes in the men’s singles final. In the ongoing 37th National Games on Tuesday.

Tharun, who had upset second seed and national champion M Mithun in the semi-final, got the better of Varma 21-15, 16-21, 21-15 in an hour and 10 minutes to bag his first National Games gold at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee stadium here.

The fourth seed adopted an aggressive approach from the opening game itself and went for his big smashes. That game plan worked as he opened up a lead 12-8 lead. Varma did manage to close the gap at 16-15, but Tharun bagged the next five points to close the game.

The experienced Varma then changed strategy and began engaging his opponent in flatter rallies. This allowed him to take control of the proceedings and force a decider. However, Tharun was prepared for this game plan in the final game and changed ends leading 11-5.

Knowing that his senior opponent was under pressure, Tharun stuck to his game plan and induced errors from Varma to win the title.

“My plan was simply to play to my strength and keep pressure on Sourabh. I am happy that it worked perfectly today,” said Tharun after the match.

The National Red Run 2023 event saw the participants competing in three categories, 10 km and 2 km with enthusiasm and vigour. National Red Run 2023 was organised by National AIDS Control Organisation, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, in collaboration with Goa State AIDS Control Society.

Before the start of the run, Ms. Hekali Zhimomi, IAS Additional Secretary and Director General Director, National AIDS Control Organisation Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India flagged off the National Red Run at Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) Ground Bambolim. Also present were Ms. Nidhi Kesarwani, IAS, Director National AIDS Control Organisation Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, Dr. Geeta Kakodkar, Director, Health Services, Dr. Gokuldas Sawant, Project Director, Goa State AIDS Control Society and others.

Approximately 157 participants from different States and Union Territories and Goan’s participants in large numbers raised HIV/AIDS awareness in the State. Approximately 800 General public participated in the 2km run

Addressing the prize distribution and award distribution ceremony Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, this event is the first of its kind, organised by Goa State AIDS Control Society. He said a healthy body houses a healthy mind and both these are necessary to create a healthy society as well as a progressive Nation.

Speaking further Chief Minister underscored the important role played by social organisations and NACO in spreading awareness and creating a sense of inclusiveness as well as friendliness towards the AIDS infected people. There was a time when the world used to look down upon AIDS patients and used to isolate and humiliate them.

I call upon the civil society to eradicate all forms of isolation and bias against AIDS affected persons. This is possible only through consistent awareness through various programs and initiatives, he said and urged the general public to use the 1097 helpline to report any misbehaviour or bias happening if any, against Aids affected persons.

Health Minister Shri Vishwajeet Rane said NACO should come out with guidelines making available safety measures through dispensers at hotels, restaurants and in coastal areas. There is nothing shy to be spoken about said the Minister.

Citing the examples of different types of pressure Shri Rane said, peer pressure is becoming dangerous to young generation. Parents should assist the children in controlling such pressure and keep the younger generation away from such dangerous aspects.

Health Minister urged Red Ribbon Club to go the extra mile in creating awareness in colleges and other institutions. This subject is not restricted only to colleges but also in schools and at higher levels.

Health Minister appealed to create healthy atmosphere and live life happily.

Ms. Hekali Zhimomi IAS, Director, National AIDS Control Organisation Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also spoke on the occasion.

Prizes, trophies and certificates were presented to the winners of all three categories at the hands of Chief Minister and Health Minister.

GIS Atlas brought out by Goa State AIDS Control Society was also launched at the hands of Chief Minister.

“The Contemporary Speeches” a book authored by the Governor, Shri P. S. Sreedharan Pillai was released at the gracious hands of His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, Catholics of the East Malankara Metropolitan at old Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan today.

The Governor, informing about the various initiatives implemented through Raj Bhavan, said that he is making good use of the special fund at his discretion to help the charitable institutions and needy cancer and dialysis patients in the State. Around 1900 patients have benefited from this fund as Raj Bhavan has provided an assistance of Rs. 25,000 to each individual apart from 90 institutions who were provided with financial assistance. Raj Bhavan has been judiciously using the fund for a cause without any discrimination.The Governor informed that he derived the idea of providing financial assistance to needy people, after being inspired by the speech of his Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III who always highlighted to spend money for the poor people and for charitable purposes.

Speaking further the Governor said, love, kindness and dedications are the basic cause of faith and beliefs. Doing something good for poor people is like doing something for God. The Governor expressed his privilege and happiness to receive the Bishops who dedicated their life for the cause.

His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, Catholics of the East Malankara Metropolitan underscored the need to eradicate poverty and drug addiction from the society. All the religions in the State and countries should come together to fight these evils. His Holiness said time has come to work together hand in hand to fight against these evils.

His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, said Orthodox Sabha is very much proud of the helping hand extended by the Governor for the poor and needy people. He said the Governor is leading the State very efficiently and added the Governor shares whatever he receives through different ways and cited the financial assistance that he has been providing for cancer and dialysis patients.

In his blessings His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III extending his wishes to Goans on the occasion of the ongoing Shree Ganesh festival said it is a memorable and proud occasion for him to be a part of this festivity.

His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III honoured the Catholica Bhava (Doctorate of Literature (D.Litt) Honoris Causa Awardee in Literature and Law by ASBM University, Bhubaneswar to the Governor.

Shri Mihir Vardhan, IAS (Retd) gave the introductory speech about Raj Bhavan publications.

Shri. Mauvin Godinho, Minister for Transport received the copies of the book at the hands of his Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III and also spoke on the occasion.

The Raj Bhavan also hosted a Reception to the Religious Heads from outside Goa on the occasion.

Raj Bhavan, Goa, honoured His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, Catholics of the East Malankara Metropolitan and the team of 11 other Bishops consisting of H. H Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, H. G Geevarghese Mar Coorilos (Bombay Diocese), H. G Yuhanon Mar Policarpos (Angamali Diocese), H. G Dr.Yuhanon Mar Diascoros (Kottayam Diocese), H. G Dr.Yuhanon MarDemetrios (Delhi Diocese), H. G Dr.Yuhanon Mar Thevodoros (Kottarakkara-Punalur Diocese), HG Yakob Mar Elias(Brahmavar Diocese), H. G Dr. Joshua Mar Nicodhimos (Nilackal Diocese), H. G Dr. Geevarghese Mar Yulios (Kunnamkulam Diocese), H. G Dr. Abraham Mar Seraphim(Thumpamon and Bangalore Diocese), H. G Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theophilos (Ahmedabad Diocese), H. G Geevarghese Mar Philoxenos (Madras Diocese) and Advocate Biju Oommen (Sabha Secretary Orthodox Sabha).

Earlier, Shri M R M Rao, IAS, Secretary to Governor welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the various activities carried out by Goa Raj Bhavan. Advocate Biju Oommen, Sabha Secretary Orthodox Sabha gave the introductory address while welcoming the Bishops.

President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu, in a momentous virtual event, officially inaugurated the ‘Ayushman Bhav’ initiative, a novel undertaking by the Government of India aimed at ensuring the last-mile delivery of healthcare services across the country in a mission mode approach.

In addition to the initiative’s launch, President Smt. Murmu also unveiled the ‘Ayushman Bhav’ portal. This landmark event was graced by the presence of distinguished leaders, including Dr. Mansukh Mandviya, Union Health Minister; S P Singh Baghel, Minister of State of Health and Family Welfare; and Dr. Bharati Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare.

The ‘Ayushman Bhava’ campaign, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of ‘Antyodaya,’ will kick off on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s birthday to be celebrated on September 17th, and conclude on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti scheduled on October 2nd. This period will be known as Seva Pakhwada, highlighting the central importance of serving the last person in the last village. President Smt. Droupadi Murmu emphasized that this campaign aligns with the goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage, leaving no person or village behind.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has initiated the “Ayushman Bhav” campaign to enhance awareness about various healthcare schemes and to saturate critical healthcare services reach every village. The campaign comprises three major components: Ayushman Apke Dwar 3.0, Ayushman Mela, and Ayushman Sabha.

The State-level launch of ‘Ayushman Bhav’ was held at the Institute of Menezes Braganza, Panaji, Goa, organized by the Directorate of Health Services, Goa. Shri Arun Kumar Mishra, IAS, Secretary, Health, highlighted the need for continued improvement in Goa’s healthcare sector, emphasizing the government’s commitment to achieving set targets for providing quality healthcare and facilities to citizens.

Dr. Geeta Kakodkar, Director, Directorate of Health Services, encouraged citizens to enroll themselves and derive benefit of the Ayushman Bhav Scheme, underscoring the campaign’s two-week duration covering various health-related activities.

Certificates were awarded to competition winners during the event, and ABHA cards and PMJ accounts were distributed to beneficiaries. Smt. Pooja Naik and Dr. Yogesh Potdar compered the program, while Dr. Rupa Naik, Dy Director, Directorate of Health Services, proposed vote of thanks.

The ‘Ayushman Bhavah’ initiative marks a significant step toward achieving comprehensive healthcare coverage and improving healthcare services for all citizens across India.