Pics: Nilesh Naik
Daijiworld Media Network—Goa (RD/CN)
Margao, Nov 12: The ‘35th Women’s National Sports Festival-2009’, organized by the Sports Authority of Goa (Group- II ) (SAG) in collaboration with Sports Authority of India (SAI), began with a glittering inaugural function on Wednesday November 11 at PJN stadium, here.
State chief minister Digamber Kamat was the chief guest and state minister for sports Babu Azgaonkar was the guest of honour.
SAG executive director V M Prabhudesai, joint director (coaching) Bruno Coutinho, SAG honorary treasurer Ashraf Pandial, SAG joint director Vinayak Naik, and project officer (women) Monica Dorado were guests of honour on the occasion.
The ministers and other guests, on arrival, unfurled the championship and SAG flags and took the guard of honour from participating teams.
Speaking on the occasion, Kamat congratulated SAG for holding such a mega event for women in Goa and requested the participating teams and officials to take back good memories of these championships in true sporting spirit.
He asserted that ‘National 2011’ which will be held in Goa, will be a great success with the participation of all sections of society.
Azgaonkar, in his address, highlighted the importance of sports for women and their active participation in sports for social and economic development. He requested all the participating teams to take full advantage of the facilities available at PJN.
Later, the championship torch was handed over to the CM and sports minister by the national players of Goa and this declared the championships open.
Prabhudesai welcomed the gathering while Dorado proposed the vote of thanks. Jennifer Ferrao compered the programme.
Cultural programmes depicting the traditional dances of Goa were performed by different cultural groups from Cancona.
Goa volleyball team captain Betty D’Silva took the oath on behalf of all the participants.
The gymnastics events were held on Wednesday from 3.00 pm at Indoor Stadium, Margao, but kabaddi, kho-kho, and volleyball events could not be held due to rain.
Altogether, 23 teams from all over India reached the venue for the championships.