State govt leases land to GFA to promote game
HERALD SPORTS DESK
PANJIM, MAY 13
The State government today leased out its land admeasuring 5,250 sqm at Duler, Mapusa to Goa Football Association, to take up activities to promote football and eventually make Goa the powerhouse of football in India.
The official documents were exchanged at the Secretariat between President GFA and Urban Development Minister Joaquim Alemao and Juliana Gurjao, deputy director of Sports and Youth Affairs; vice-president of GFA, Sandeep Jacques and John Dias, treasurer.
Speaking on the occasion, Alemao said: “It is a matter of pride that the land has been leased to the GFA, envisioning the dream of his colleagues in the Association to make make Goa the powerhouse for football in India.”
Alemao expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, Sports Minister Manohar (Babu) Azgaonkar, Tourism Minister Francisco (Mickky) Pacheco in supporting the cause of leasing the land.
The minister also acknowledged the contribution of Dayanand Narvekar, who way back in the 90’s as the then agriculture minister initially agreed to give the land.
As president of GFA, Alemao assured that GFA will make every effort to develop the football ground into an international playfield with added facilities including spectator stands, changing rooms, fitness centre and an academy for young budding talent.
Joaquim Alemao, who is also the vice-president of All India Football Federation (AIFF) expressed his desire that the Indian football team should qualify for the World Cup.
”Our dream is that the Indian football team should reach the World Cup,” he added.
He said he was in favour of AIFF’s decision to let the selected players of the clubs attend the Asia Cup camp for eight months, commencing from next month. The players attending the camp should concentrate on Asia Cup.
The clubs should give a chance to youngsters to play during the eight-month absence of the players selected for the camp, Alemao said, adding, as president of Churchill Brothers, he was willing to release the players.
Further, Alemao mentioned that FIFA has given a go-ahead to Sports Authority of Goa for the proposed creation of artificial turf atTilak Maidan, Vasco in South Goa.
He said an inspection team of FIFA is likely to visit Goa by this month end to inspect the ground.
He said AIFF General Secretary Alberto Colaco has informed about this development to SAG Executive Director V M Prabhudesai.
