National Games should be held once every two years: Sports minister

Thiruvananthapuram, February 14 (IANS)

Union sports minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday wished that the National Games are held once every two years instead of every four years.

The 35th National Games were on for the last 15 days in seven districts of Kerala. They concluded Saturday. Goa will host the next Games.

“Efforts should be made to see that this event is held once in two years so as to give more and more opportunities to our sportspersons to compete,” said Sonowal, while addressing the closing ceremony.

He complimented Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and his team for organising the event in the most professional manner.

“It should be an eye opener in terms of the way this Games was organised with the outstanding world class infrastructure that was provided,” Sonowal added.

He also read out a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi complimenting Kerala for the excellent organisation of the event.

All the events got over Friday with Services coming out first and hosts Kerala second.

Chandy was greeted with a huge cheer by the full house at the newly built Greenfield Stadium which hosted the opening and closing ceremonies.

“I stand with a lot of pride before you as we have proved that if we stand together any difficult situation can be overcome. I take this opportunity to thank each and everyone who worked hard for the smooth conduct of the Games and this has certainly given a bright future for sports and games in our state,” said Chandy.

Kerala Governor P.Sathasivam, before officially declaring the Games closed, pointed out that the National Games are more or less modelled on the Olympic Games.

“I wish to thank the organisers here for the way the Games were conducted,” said Sathasivam.

A cultural programme was held later.