Panaji: The state govt is giving finishing touches to its ambitious plan of organising Mini Olympics Goa (MOG), a first of its kind event that will help identify and groom sportspersons with participation at the Olympics 2036 in mind.Goa has never had a home-grown Olympian, but when the greatest sporting event is held in India for the first time, possibly in 2036, govt hopes the state can open its account with its ambitious 10-year plan.“Mini Olympics Goa has been approved by the govt in-principle and we plan to have the event in October,” Ajay Gaude, director, Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs (DSYA), told TOI. “For a start, we have shortlisted about 20 disciplines. We are also thinking of including some traditional games.”Three venues — Campal, Peddem (Mapusa) and Navelim – have also been confirmed for the first of its kind event.“The 20 disciplines include popular events that are staged at the Olympics, but we also have some sports with limited participation here in Goa. For example, sports like fencing and shooting. If we don’t have at least five schools participating, we will not go ahead with the sport.“But dropping a discipline does not mean we are ignoring it totally. We will ensure there’s a mechanism in place to boost participation in the sport. In shooting, for example, there are plans to collaborate with an academy which will conduct basic training at schools,” said Gaude.MOG will be held in different age groups with participation from schools in focus.“This is a project that is being implemented for the first time. We will spot the best talent from here and nurture. If they have to train outside the state, at the best academies, we will provide the funds. I can say with certainty that (financial) support will not be in short supply,” said Gaude, who is also executive director, Sports Authority of Goa (SAG).Neighbouring Karnataka and Maharashtra have similar Games in place.According to sources, kho kho and kabaddi are two indigenous sports that are battling for inclusion while yoga and lagori, included by the state for National Games 2023 in Goa, are also under consideration. As Gaude explained, “traditional sports need a big platform to thrive.”The director of sports said talks will be held with the Goa Olympic Association (GOA) – now led by Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Tanavade – to ensure that all state sports associations are onboarded for the Games.“We need support from state associations in identifying, nurturing and providing the right support system,” said Gaude. “These players will have to be deputed for national championships, exposure tours, and only then results can be seen. We are setting the bar high. It’s a 10-year programme and we hope to see one of our very own at the Olympics in 2036.”Backed by PM Narendra Modi, India has launched an aggressive bid to stage the 2036 Olympics in Ahmedabad. Only three Asian nations—Japan, China, and South Korea—have ever hosted the Olympics and Paralympic Games. A final IOC decision on the hosts is not expected before late 2027.Disciplines for Mini Olympics Goa: Athletics, swimming, taekwondo, beach volleyball, badminton, gymnastics, table tennis, weightlifting, boxing, hockey, shooting, football, judo, modern pentathlon, archery, tennis, handball, volleyball, cricket and squash.
