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PANJIM: The Goa Olympic Association (GOA) has returned back to Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), the cheque of Rs 25.25 lakh issued towards grant-in-aid for the 38th National Games to be held at Uttarakhand, pointing out that the amount sanctioned was much less to the proposed expenses.
The association in its letter to the Executive Director of SAG said that they are returning the cheque issued towards participation grant-in-aid for the 38th National Games as 80 per cent grant-in-aid for athletes and coaches.
The association said that the step has been taken after detailed review of financial support approved by the SAG, which falls short of requirements and benchmarks set in previous editions of National Games held in Goa and Gujarat.
The GOA returned the cheque issued by the SAG towards the participation of Goan athletes in the upcoming 38th National Games. This step has been taken after a detailed review of the financial support approved by the SAG, which falls short of the requirements and benchmarks set in previous editions of the National Games held in Goa and Gujarat.
According to GOA General Secretary Gurudatt Bhakta, the association had estimated an amount of Rs 7,200 per player to cover 3-tier AC train fares, a standard that ensures athletes travel comfortably and arrive in optimal condition to compete. However, the SAG’s approval of Rs 6,000 per player falls short of this expectation, adding unnecessary financial strain on the participants. The TA and DA were decided based on what they received in the last two games. The Rs 500 was cleared by the Chief Minister during the games in Gujarat and now in these games it has been reduced to Rs 300.
Speaking to O Heraldo, Executive Director of SAG Dr Geeta Nagvekar, “I have seen the reasons for this action and will resubmit the file to the government to consider the matter. The Assistant Director (Programmes) has gone to Uttarakhand for the Games and will be back by the January 30 and by Monday, I will resubmit the file.”
Few days back Sports Minister Govind Gaude had rebuked the sports associations in the State for allegedly not submitting the utilisation certificates of the funds released to them for 37th National Games, which were held in Goa in 2023.
