Located in a remote part of the State, Valpoi is not a prominent location for major sports and entertainment events. The excitement was, therefore, palpable when the all-Goa Dirt Bike Motorsport Championship was recently organised in the area, drawing a huge crowd to the venue.
Such has been the response from all over the State that demands have been growing from various quarters in Valpoi to hold similar events at the same venue. In fact, the organisers are now planning an All India Motorsport Championship in Valpoi.
Organised by the Phoenix Socio-Cultural Association (PSCA) of Valpoi in collaboration with the JS team (Mumbai), the Dirt Bike Motorsport Championship at Valpoi attracted over 30 participants and hundreds of spectators.
“The response to the two-hour event was tremendous since such a sporting event is rarely seen in North Goa. Most participants at this state-level event were from North Goa, including many from Valpoi. There is a huge demand for motor sports in North Goa due to limited opportunities for the youth to showcase their talent in motorsports,” said event coordinator Sarfaraz Sayyad.
“The main purpose of organising the event was to promote motorsports in North Goa in particular, and at the state-level in general. Besides, participants cannot afford to take part in motorsports events outside the State and hence, we felt it would be a good idea to hold an even in Goa itself.”
Sayyad sought to dispel the general perception that motorsports was a risky event.
“There was fear in the minds of many people that motorsports or racing is very risky and dangerous. But when the spectators watched the event, they were satisfied that such events need not be risky when necessary precautions are taken,” said Sayyad.
“The PSCA is all set to organize similar events at Valpoi and the All India Championship will also be held at Valpoi shortly,” informed Sayyad.
Farid Khan, a sportsman from Valpoi, was pleased with the promotion of motorsports at Valpoi.
“The people have been accustomed to watching local football and cricket games, but it was for the first time that they got an opportunity to watch motorsports, which is more exciting than other sporting events. What was amazing is that the event did not only attract the youth, but the spectators included the elderly and the children as well,” said Khan.
When contacted, PSCA President Narhari Shirodkar said many participants had requested the PSCA to organize a motorsports event in Valpoi.
“Even though this was a unique event in Valpoi, we took up the challenger and organised the Dirt Bike Motorsport Championship. We were overwhelmed by the response, both from the participants and the spectators,” said Shirodkar.
