![Cultural programme at the inaugration of 35th women sports festival. Photo by Nilesh Naik Cultural programme at the inaugration of 35th women sports festival. Photo by Nilesh Naik](http://www.theindiapost.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Cultural-programme.jpg)
11 Nov : 35th Women national Sports Festival 2009 organized by The Sports Authority of Goa (group- II ) in collaboration with Sports Authority of India got underway with glittering Inaugural function on 11th Nov. 2009 at PJN stadium, Margao.
Shri. Digamber kamat , Chief Minister of Goa was the Chief Guest, Shri. Babu Azgaonkar, Minister for Sports was Guest of Honour, Also present were V. M. Prabhudesai, Exe.Director, SAG, Bruno Coutinho, Jt. Director ( Coaching), Ashraf Pandial, Hon. Treasurer of SAG, Vinayak Naik, Jt.Director, SAG, Monica Dorando, Project officer ( women) and hosts of other guests.
The Chief Minister and along with sports Minister and other guest at their arrival, unfurled the championships and SAG flags and took the guard of honour from the participating teams.
Later speaking on the occasion, chief minister congratulated the SAG for holding such mega event for women in Goa and requested the participating teams and officials to take all the good memories of this championships with true sportsman spirit . He also lamented that National 2011 which will organize in Goa will be great success with participation of all section of society.
Sports Minister in address highlighted the importance of sports for women and their active participation in sports for social and economic development. He further requested all the participating teams to take full advantages of facilities available at PJN.
Later, Championships Torch was handed over to the CM and Sports Ministers by the National players of Goa which marked the championships open.
V M. Prabhudesai, ED, SAG welcomed the Guests and later Monica Dorado ,PO, proposed vote of thanks, whereas Mrs. Jennifer Ferrao compere the whole function.
Cultural programme depicting the true traditional dances of Goa were performed by different cultural groups of cancona.
Betty D’Silva , captain of Goa Volleyball team took the oath on behalf of all the participants.The Gymnastics events were held on 11th Nov. from 3 pm at Indoor Stadium ,margao but The Kabaddi, Kho-Kho and Volleyball events could not be organized due to rain .
Altogether 23 teams from all over India have already reached the venue for the championhips.