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{{short description|Mascot for the 2023 National Games of India}}
{{Infobox mascot
| name = Moga
| image =
| caption =
| description = [[Indian bison]]
| name_origin = [[Konkani]] word meaning 'love'
| first_seen = {{start date and age|18 June 2023}}
| first =
| last_seen = 9 September 2023<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 September 2023 |title=National Games Torch- Sports Minister @Govind_Gaude launched Mashaal relay for National Games |work=In Goa 24x7 |url=https://twitter.com/InGoa24x7/status/1700464072041406614?t=5sndMsTAcGOE6OwHn1cpfg&s=19 |access-date=18 September 2023}}</ref>
| related_mascots =
| website = {{URL|https://dip.goa.gov.in}}
}}

'''Moga'''{{efn|also stylized as '''MOGA'''; pronounced ({{IPAc-en|lang|m|ɒ|g|ɑː}})}} ({{translation|Love}}) is the official [[mascot]] for the upcoming [[2023 National Games of India]], which will be held in [[Goa]] from October to November. Representing the spirit of determination and perseverance, ''Moga'' is portrayed as an [[Indian bison]], embodying the qualities of resilience and overcoming challenges. The mascot also symbolizes dedication displayed by athletes towards their respective sports.

==Marketing==
In a statement made by [[Govind Gaude]], the Sports Minister of Goa, it was emphasized that the element of anticipation surrounding the unveiling of the mascot was crucial in generating public enthusiasm for the sporting events. The minister stressed the necessity of a campaign aimed at fostering genuine interest in the upcoming sports event.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=GNH |first=Team |date=2023-06-27 |title=The suspense ahead of the National Games mascot launch was required to create interest: Govind Gaude |url=https://goanewshub.com/the-suspense-ahead-of-the-national-games-mascot-launch-was-required-to-create-interest-govind-gaude/ |access-date=2023-09-20 |website=Goa News Hub |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-06-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627131649/https://goanewshub.com/the-suspense-ahead-of-the-national-games-mascot-launch-was-required-to-create-interest-govind-gaude/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In anticipation of the [[2022 National Games of India]], the organizers implemented a promotional campaign, as stated by Gaude. Prominent leaders, including [[Pramod Sawant]], the Chief Minister of Goa, utilized social media to raise awareness with the question "Where is Moga". Furthermore, [[billboards]] featuring the same inquiry were positioned along the national highway. Gaude noted that this campaign effectively generated significant interest and engagement.<ref name=":2" />

==Launch==
On 18 June 2023, the launch of ''Moga'' took place at the [[Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium]] in [[Taleigao]]. The event was attended by several notable figures, including [[Pramod Sawant]], the Chief Minister of Goa, [[Govind Gaude]], the Sports Minister of Goa, [[Shripad Naik]], the Union Minister of State for Tourism and Ports, [[P. T. Usha]], the President of the [[Indian Olympic Association]] (IOA), [[Mary Kom]], an internationally renowned boxer, and Bholo Nath Singh, the Secretary General of [[Hockey India]], among other dignitaries.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=National Games mascot 'Moga' launched |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Sports/National-Games-mascot-%E2%80%98Moga%E2%80%99-launched/206316 |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=oHeraldo |archive-date=2023-09-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918081509/https://www.heraldgoa.in/Sports/National-Games-mascot-%E2%80%98Moga%E2%80%99-launched/206316 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Kom expressed her belief that [[Goa]] has the potential to become a significant sports hub, drawing in a substantial audience of 50,000 attendees. She envisions Goa as a destination known for its combination of beautiful beaches, recreational opportunities, and a thriving sports scene. Acknowledging the logistical challenge of hosting 43 events in Goa.<ref name=":0" />

During the commemoration of Goa's Revolution Day, Sawant conveyed his belief that the Games had the potential to bring about a positive transformation in the sporting landscape of the state. He expressed his hope for the emergence of more accomplished athletes, highlighting the achievements of [[Arjuna Award|Arjuna awardees]] [[Bhakti Kulkarni]] and [[Brahmanand Sankhwalkar]] as inspiring examples for others to aspire to.<ref name=":0" />

During the event, the official jersey for the Goan contingent was unveiled. Usha conveyed her optimistic outlook, stating her belief that the upcoming Games would witness the establishment of numerous fresh records. The event itself featured musical performances and [[List of Indian folk dances#Goa|traditional folk dances]] performed by [[Goan]] artists.<ref name=":0" />

==Characteristics==
''Moga'' holds a special significance as the representative symbol of [[Goa]]. The Sports Minister of Goa, [[Govind Gaude]], emphasized that the bison mascot symbolizes both strength and grace. Gaude further explained that the athletes and sportspeople of Goa exemplify these qualities, displaying unwavering determination, exceptional physical abilities, and a resilient spirit to overcome challenges. Just as the bison fearlessly navigates its [[natural habitat]], Goa's athletes fearlessly take on their opponents, passionately striving for victory. Similar to the bison's relentless drive, these athletes continuously push forward, aiming to achieve greatness in their respective sports.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Times |first=Navhind |date=2023-06-19 |title=37th National Games' mascot 'Moga' unveiled – The Navhind Times |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2023/06/19/goanews/37th-national-games-mascot-moga-unveiled/ |access-date=2023-09-18 |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-06-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624033951/https://www.navhindtimes.in/2023/06/19/goanews/37th-national-games-mascot-moga-unveiled/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Backlash==
On 20 July 2023, the [[Goa Legislative Assembly]] held a session to discuss a matter of concern. During the meeting, there were debates regarding allegations of multi-[[crore]] scams related to the infrastructure projects undertaken for the upcoming [[2023 National Games of India]] in the state of [[Goa]]. Members of the Opposition expressed their concerns and engaged in a discussion within the assembly, presenting different perspectives on the matter.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Oppn breathes fire, alleges multi-crore scams in the name of National Games |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Oppn-breathes-fire-alleges-multicrore-scams-in-the-name-of-National-Games-/207777 |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=oHeraldo |archive-date=2023-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230721013459/https://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Oppn-breathes-fire-alleges-multicrore-scams-in-the-name-of-National-Games-/207777 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Vijai Sardesai]], the elected representative for [[Fatorda Assembly constituency|Fatorda]], raised concerns regarding the government's expenditure on the logo and mascot [[Bulbul]] 'Rubigula' launch in 2020. He pointed out that while the government spent Rs {{INRConvert|68.44|l}} on the event, the girl who designed the [[mascot]] was paid only {{INRConvert|15000}}. Additionally, Sardesai highlighted that the government allocated {{INRConvert|2.80|c}} to change the mascot to ''Moga'' in May of this year. Furthermore, an [[event management]] company called Moving Pictures was paid {{INRConvert|5.59|c}} for their services related to this change. Sardesai questioned the appropriateness of these expenses and sought clarity on the matter, raising the possibility of a potential irregularity.<ref name=":1" />

Sardesai offered a critical perspective on the level of attention generated by ''Moga'', highlighting the notion that the person responsible for its name deserved special recognition. Additionally, he commented on the resemblance between the government-designed ''Moga'' mascot and the [[FC Goa]] mascot, suggesting that it could be perceived as a less successful attempt at imitation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Govt ridiculed over untoward incidents, decisions |url=https://www.thegoan.net/goa-news/govt-ridiculed-over-untoward-incidents-decisions/101585.html |access-date=2023-09-19 |website=The Goan EveryDay |language=en |archive-date=2023-09-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919212208/https://www.thegoan.net/goa-news/govt-ridiculed-over-untoward-incidents-decisions/101585.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Within the context of political opposition, there was an inquiry into the disclosure of payment details pertaining to the launch of the logo, as well as an exploration into the reasons behind the transition from the flame-throated Bulbul mascot 'Rubigula' to the new mascot ''Moga''. Additionally, there was a focus on understanding the financial resources allocated towards the procurement of equipment.<ref name=":1" />

[[Govind Gaude]], the Sports Minister, provided clarification regarding the mascot for the [[2020 National Games of India]], which were initially planned to be hosted in Goa in October 2020. However, due to the [[Covid-19 pandemic]], the games had to be postponed. The chosen mascot for these games was the flame-throated Bulbul named 'Rubigula'. Despite the setback, the [[Indian Olympic Association]] decided to allocate the 37th edition of the National Games to the same host, Goa. As a result, a new official mascot named ''Moga'' was selected for the upcoming games.<ref name=":1" />

==Notes==
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==References==
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[[Category:Sports mascots]]
[[Category:Indian mascots]]
[[Category:Animal mascots]]
[[Category:Cattle mascots]]

Moga (mascot) - Revision history

Ajay Kumar: Creating a new article