Niraj Prabhu
PANJIM: With the 37th National Games finally being held in Goa in October-November, the grand event presents a rare double opportunity to Goans as the players can display their mettle and earn medals for the State provided the preparations are raised to a high professional level while the local organisers could showcase their skills in no uncertain manner, presenting a faultless and smooth organisation, asserted Nodal Officer Rajendra Godinho.
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As hosts, Goa have the privilege of fielding teams in all 37 disciplines whereas for the other states/UTs, it is only the qualifying teams, mostly the quarter-finalists of their national championships that can make up their contingents.
As hosts, it is an opportunity for Goa to test the waters. It is a gigantic task no doubt. The basic questions will revolve on: Is the full infrastructure ready, do we have skilled technical manpower, can the Associations own responsibility for good performance and excel in their respective fields when many of them do not even conduct their yearly championships. Can some of the Associations be woken up from their slumber. The list is very,very long, but unless there are taskmasters it could be just a mere formality. And this is what exactly needs to be avoided at all costs as the Games are being organised at the huge taxpayers’ money. Let these Games be not farcical.
“The job of the Nodal Officers is mainly to coordinate with various agencies, to monitor progress and suggest remedial measures, be it concerning administration, coaching and other logistics. We will be in constant touch with the National Secretariat and the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) and keep them posted on various aspects from time to time. We will also need a large group of trained volunteers. It is a huge task that needs to be undertaken. It is a full time job and we must deliver come what may. Cooperation and collaboration is the key to success, and we will work for its grand success with the collaboration of everyone,” remarked Rajendra.
The long-serving secretary of Goa State Tennis Association, Rajendra, popularly known as ‘Bulu’ outlined a few plans drawn up by the association in order to prepare the Goa tennis team for the Games. “We are looking to conduct a few Goa ranking tournaments and selection trials. Only Goan domicile players will be allowed. This will give us an idea on the strength of the team. Besides, we could even invite highly talented Goan players residing elsewhere, if available,” reasoned out Rajendra.
“It is parents who put their heart and soul as they mould the child in the sport and we shall provide maximum support to make their dreams come true,” added the official.
Meanwhile, the government has asked the associations to submit their plans and also budgets inclusive of conducting the 90-day coaching camps.
“The roadmap is being worked out as the Goa Olympic Association is leaving nothing to chance and would work the nitty-gritty for a highly successfull organisation as well as performance, if possible,” summed up Rajendra.
“It is upto each Association to start making concerted efforts and work united for achieving top honours. I know the Government is very serious now after all those postponements of the past. It’s time for positive, concerted action,” summed up Rajendra.
