PANJIM: He has created history in the annals of Goan sports scripting a new chapter, but surprisingly, the record went almost unnoticed and even unheard of for many, may be because he was not among the medal winners in China. He wrote his name in gold as he became the first Goan to participate in the 31st World University Games currently in progress in Chengdu, China. That's Wesley do Rosario from Margao, who is the captain of the Indian men's table tennis team.
Wesley is very well known in the State, as he is currently the Goan ambassador of table tennis having even had the privilege and honour of figuring in the World TT championship - WTT Star Contender Goa - among the top world paddlers, held in Goa from February 27 to March 5, this year at Shyamaprasad Stadium, Taleigao.
Surprisingly, the feat of this young Goan was almost overlooked, may be because he got his selection in the India team from Chandigarh where he is pursuing his studies at Chitkara University and honing skills in a top academy - Pinnacle Sports Centre in Gurugram - at his own cost, since no such facility exists in Goa. He was forced to seek better facilities outside Goa and could do so, much thanks to his father Lennny, a top Goan TT player of yesteryears.
Wesley won laurels not only for Goa but for the country as well, for several years now. He is a world ranked Goan player, with the present ranking being 683. He stands at Number 28 in India today, from the previous Number 16, as the full cycle of competitions is yet to be completed this season. He is on the ascendency, having beaten Commonwealth gold medalist Sanil Shetty and also world junior Number 1 Manav Takkar and several other top ranked India players.
The 21-year-old international has donned colours for Goa, India in various National and International competitions, much thanks to the full financial backing of his father Lenny, a former national TT player. Wesley was introduced to the sport when he was just four and at seven had the honour of representing Goa at Cadet, Sub-junior Nationals and was the youngest Goan to do so. Since then, there hasn't been looking back.
In 2011, Wesley won two bronze in National U-12 event and a year later, he bagged his first gold medal. In 2015 he attained the Number One position both in sub-junior as well as Junior categories and Number 3 in senior men's and was crowned State men's champ.
Wesley was candid in stating that he has miles to go to be a real, top achiever with his ambition being to bring top laurels not only for our amchem Goem but also India. That's his mission. He feels that he has the will, capacity, vigour and enthusiasm to reach the reachable target. For the dream to become a reality, he needs good financial backing as he has to compete with highly rated international players in top rated championships in the world, as well higher level of coaching abroad.
Obviously, it calls for big finances, something like the one which was released by SAG for young football player Shameek Cain Vas - Rs 19,88,679 - (pending amount Rs 10,11,321) for coaching at Marcet Football Academy in Barcelona last year.
It may be recalled that earlier, the SAG had provided financial assistance to trekker Rahul Prabhudesai for mountaineering expedition to Mount Everest in 2018 to the tune of Rs 29,43,750; Dayne Coelho for FA international level tour, for RS X World Championship Olympic Qualifier at Lake Garda, Italy Rs 9,64,697 (pending Rs 11,50,144); Pearl Colvalcar in yachting for international level tournament for advance training camp at Sail Coach Laser Sailing School at Malta Rs 10,00,000 (pending Rs 20,00,000). Anura P Warkhande for international tournament and training camps, Rs,5,00,000 (Rs 18,68,499 pending); Yash Padloskar for training in rifle shooting camps, national and international tournament Rs 13,44,902 pending. Total amount released Rs 73,97,126. To be released Rs 73,74,866. The amount which is pending is due to no funds being allotted for the scheme. However, the balance amount is under scrutiny and the actual bills being verified.
There is a provision of Rs 30 lakh per annum with SAG to provide financial assistance to sportspersons to achieve excellence in sports at international level. It was introduced in 2018-19. The first step is for the sportsperson to apply for the same with proper documentation. The back up of the association may also be needed.