Imphal: 37th National Games, Goa, November 2023.
With the curtain of the 37th National Games, Goa coming down in the most festive mood to meet again in the month of October-November next year in the Himalayan state of Uttrakhand
for the 38th Edition, celebrations of the coastal state bid adieu to the visiting teams in the most befitting style.
The Manipur contingent, which competed in twenty-five out of the forty-four disciplines will have fond memories to cherish.
The haul of 30 Gold, 22 Silver and 31 medals by the Manipur sportspersons at Goa can be mentioned as a major achievement although the inclusion of some disciplines gave an added advantage to some states.
The events of the Goa National Games started as early as 18th of October with Badminton, Netball, Gymnastics, Basketball and Weight Lifting before before formal Opening Ceremony on the 26th October at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Fatorda.
The much awaited Grand Opening Ceremony was cut to size with the limitations of only 15-member state contingent for the March Past.
One of the memorable days in the Goa National Games is when Phamdom Ranibala created a new Record in Snatch with a good lift of 90 kg which was earlier held by Mirabai Chanu (86kg on 29th March, 2023).
For Manipur, Wushu’s 9-Gold, 7-Silver and 2-Bronze elevated the total medal tally to the height at the National Games. Some of the Silver medals were of narrow margins, which could have been Gold. Heartbreaks and tearful scenes at the venue were visible as some lost by a whisker.
The floors of the Campal Sports Complex had many passionate exchanges of different moods during the Judo events. The impressive performance by the Judo team brining home 5-Gold, 2-Silver and 2-Bronze has also one reson to celebrate. The mixed team at the end winning the prestigious Gold was a booster to cheer the entire team.
Cycling at two venues at Delhi and Goa was a roller coaster for the cyclist. The absence of a velodrome at Goa will be reminder for other states intending to host the National Games. Cycling’s 3-Gold, 3-Silver and 1-Bronze were hard earned and well deserved laurel for the state.
From the last two National Games of Gujarat and Goa, the discovery of a discipline, the strength of young talent: the Aerobic gymnastics is an area to be focused. The individual Gold and the trio aerobic gymnastics Gold can be an eye opener. The Gymnastics team’s 3-Gold and 1-Silver at the crucial juncture is a real Gold for the state.
The first time entry of Pencak Silat was a pleasant entry bringing home 3-Gold and 5-Bronze medals. The unfortunate ligament injury of Shamjetshabam Bidyaluxmi
during the bout was one of the inevitable incidents during the entire Games.
The Sepak Takraw team, both men’s and women’s performed exceptionally well at the Fatorda Multipurpose Hall. Women’s team winning two Gold medals and men’s two Silver medals can be a reminder to the people of Manipur. In the men’s Sepak Takraw, young lads from Manipur had to face experienced players of the Services who hailed from Manipur. Sometimes, the spectators were confused which team they were cheering.
The history of Manipur’s Archery is a different story now. Like every discipline, young talents not being able to update equipment is a common challenge. The 2-Gold, 1-Silver and 1-Bronze from the Archers mainly from the Indian Round speaks volumes and invite Recurve and Compound.
Weight Lifting audience in Goa missed Mirabai Chanu who has to rest because of some injury as reported. 1-Gold, 2-Silver and 2-Bronze from Weight Lifting, Fencing’s 1-Gold, 1-Silver and 5-Bronze were keenly watched by the spectators as these events were once owned by the youngsters from Manipur.
One of the contact sports, and most popularly identified at the national scenario with the people of Manipur, Taekwondo has traveled and found roots in many parts of the country. It used to be near double digit Gold in the beginning. The 1-Gold and 3-Bronze has hinted to other states’ vigorous training and continuous efforts.
This year, Rowing has earned 2-Silver and 2-Bronze Medals. Football, both men’s and women’s won Silver medal while Boxing had to be contented with 3-Bronze in narrow bouts.
Canoeing and Kayaking’s 2-Bronze was precious as Bowling made a remarkable entry in the national arena with a Bronze. Triathlon and Wrestling with one Bronze each made the Medals Tally for the State stand tall.
Out of the twenty-five disciplines which embarked to contest in the Goa National Games, eighteen did win medals.
Tennis, Aquatics, Shooting, Athletics, Squash, Badminton, Yogasana and Golf could not win medals.
“The overall performance at the 37th National Games with 30-Gold, 22-Silver and 31-Bronze is a remarkable achievement according to Th. Radheshyam, President of Manipur Olympic Association. “The hardwork of all the players, dedication by the coaches and managers need to be recognized. Upgradation of modern equipment and scientific training is the need of hour,” Radheshyam said.
He also said, “the last Gujarat National Games was tough and we won 20-Gold, 10-Silver and 20-Bronze. The 38th Edition of National Games in October-November, 2024 in Uttrakhand is our focus. The North East Olympic Games being hosted by Nagaland will be held next year in Dimapur and Chumukedima.”
