Heartbreak for ace windsurfer Katya
It is very shocking news that windsurfer Katya Coelho has been dropped from the Indian Asian games squad for China. She is of Goan origin and Indian professional windsurfer, designer, and illustrator. She is currently India’s only woman in that field and hails from Goa. In July 2022, Coelho represented India at the International Windsurfing Cup in Pattaya, Thailand. She secured second place, making her the first Indian to win an IQFoil Medal. The ministry of sports and youth affairs and Indian Olympic association should consider all our youth and give them to represent India as this is a very professional sport and have to spend your precious time money and risk at sea for this profession. I hope Katya Coelho gets her name back on the list and hope this brings happiness to her and to our Goa. Thank you O Heraldo for the report on her.
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Ashwin Caeiro, Cansaulim
LPG price reduction has surely brought relief
The Union Government has announced a reduction of Rs 200 in the price of domestic LPG cylinders. There can be no second opinion that the consumers of gas were put to innumerable problems due to the consistent steep hike in the price of the cylinders and the Opposition has also been attacking the government on this count. Though it is alleged that the government has announced the sop only as appeasement politics just to woo the electorate in view of the ensuing Assembly elections in five states and also the General Election slated for 2024, it cannot be denied that the reduction of Rs 200 in domestic cylinders has definitely brought some relief, as middle income and below poverty line families struggle to make both ends meet.
Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai
Pragg gives his mother her due
Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa had to settle for the runner’s up title after his opponent, the world’s top-ranked Magnus Carlsen defeated him in a round of tie-breakers after their previous two games ended in a draw. But experts have highlighted the youngster’s grit and exceptional skills throughout the tournament in Baku. It is normal for a sportsperson to hog all the limelight after winning a world title or any achievement for that matter. But chess prodigy Praggnanandhaa has been a refreshing change. At every press conference and in every photograph which has gone global, he is seen with his mother Nagalakshmi. While Praggnanandhaa remained the cynosure, the million-dollar expression of his mother caught the attention of a photographer. She played a massive role in her son’s road to success and has often accompanied him to national and international events.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
A ‘Shortcut to Tipperary’ a good read
Just finished reading the above-mentioned novel. It was a pure delight and knowledgeable experience. The author is the well-known Adv Radharao Gracias, a very popular and respected Goan for his thought-provoking writings, speeches and interesting inputs and arguments on TV debates and discussions on various topics.
A Shortcut to Tipperary, though supposed to be a book of fiction, yet it encompasses several features of Goan history, culture, customs and local practices. While reading the book the author takes you back on a long trip to various factual and lively incidents that occurred in Mumbai and pre-Liberation and post-Liberation era in Goa and finally in Ireland.
If you were living during this period mainly in any of the coastal villages of Salcete you will be able to recall and recollect, that what was being described in the book was realistic, captivating and perhaps was your experience too. My recommendation to all Goans young and old to read this book.
Antonio Diniz, Fatorda
Goa Tourism on slippery slope
When tourists are raped, then tourism gets violated in Goa. It’s really disheartening to know, that certain section of tourists who visit Goa, their dreamland destination, they have to return with a nightmare. The assault and rape cases upon tourists from UK, Japan and Holland are really alarming, and this can tarnish the image of Goa on the world map, as a lucrative tourist destination. Who’s to be blamed for all this mess? However, the existing Tourists Helpline Number- 1364, which is for the safety of the tourists, especially women, should be in a working condition, so that if the tourists encounter any anti-social element, then emergency assistance can be provided to them. Needless to say, trying to call this number is of no avail.
Obviously, the tourists too need to behave themselves in a well disciplined manner and obey the law of the land, just to avoid any untoward situation.
Joseph Savio Desouza, Rajasthan
Neeraj’s feat will inspire sportspersons
India’s ‘Golden Boy’ Neeraj Chopra scripted history when he became the first athlete from the country to claim the gold medal at the recent World Athletics Championship in Budapest. The fame, adulation and money that Neeraj received after his Tokyo Olympics triumph in 2021 did not deter him to focus on his World Championships. His achievement has established him as a trailblazer in athletics for India on the global stage. Adding to the pride of Neeraj’s gold was the India team’s performance in the heats of the 4x400m relay, finishing with an Asian record. Interestingly, the government has done well in allowing top athletes to have their own choice of coaches and also increasing funding for sport overall. Remarkably, Neeraj is a source of inspiration not only for fellow javelin throwers but for all sportsperson across the country.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
