Coronavirus crisis | 36th National Games in Goa postponed indefinitely due to pandemic

The 36th National Games scheduled to take place this year between October and November in Goa has now been postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic. Goa government was asked by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) not long back to host the National Games from October 20 to November 4. Having said that, the rise in the number of COVID-19 infections across the country has led to a change of plans and the mega event has now been postponed.

In a statement shared by IOA President Narinder Batra, Goa's deputy chief minister Manohar Ajgaonkar said, "The National Games organising committee has decided to postpone National Games due to COVID-19 pandemic,". He added, "... Committee to hold a meeting in September end and decide on fixing dates for National Games. (Goa) Government to take advice from Union Sports Ministry, need four months advance notice to organise games,". Kerala had served as the host for the previous edition of the National Games back in 2015.