Pelé’s amazing
soccer exploits
I read about the great footballing legend’s exploits in the Vauraddeancho Ixtt (Workers’ Friend), a Goan weekly magazine in Romi Konkani, way back in July 1958, on the Sports page, about Brazil winning the Jules Rimet (World Cup) for the first time by defeating the hosts Sweeden by 5-2. Pelé was the youngest player to play in the final and scored two goals. It was a thrilling description about Pelé’s amazing performance on the field, hailed and glorified by not only the soccer pundits but equally by several heads of State of various countries.
Pelé’s fame and achievements then on had no stopping and went on winning the most coveted Trophy in Chile in 1962 for the second time. Unfortunately Pelé couldn’t play in the final match due to injuries. However, then again winning for the third time in 1970, Pelé scored a brilliant goal via a header in the 4-1 win over the soccer famed country Italy. Thus Brazil claimed the Jules Rimet World Cup permanently during his reign as a Soccer King
Pelé popularly called “Black Pearl”, has the unique distinction of winning three World Cups, a feat that is unmatched by any other player.
Pelé’s death has cast a dark shadow of sorrow and sadness across the sporting world and amongst millions of his young and old footballing fans.
Antonio Diniz, Fatorda
Posters on electricity poles hinder visibility
It is learnt that the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) and Electricity Department lodged a complaint against unknown persons for allegedly pasting advertisement posters on the electrical properties. The authorities have zeroed in on several poles, transformers and other electrical properties covered with commercial advertisement posters. It must be said that based on the advertisement poster, there should not be any problem in tracing the ones responsible for putting up the posters. Putting up posters on the electricity poles along the road median can block the view of the vehicular drivers at road intersections as well as that of the pedestrians who cross the road. Posters on transformers can lead to fire incidents. These advertisements cause distraction to the road-users and become a sore sight due to the wear and tear. Electricity poles must be used to carry only electric cables and not for putting up posters. There needs to be zero tolerance to such activities. At several places in various cities as also seen along the Swatantra Path in Vasco, metal frame work of the advertisement boards which exist on the electric poles are an open invitation for more such posters to be put up and need to be done away with.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
May 2023 see a ray of hope for Goa
As we usher in 2023, we can only hope and pray that Goa sees better days. May it be a year, fully loaded with happiness and new positive achievements.
Many NGOs and individuals are striving hard for the betterment of Goa. Undoubtedly, the giant’s credit goes to Goa Foundation spearheaded by Claude and Norma Alvares for their relentless battle on various fronts. We cannot also forget the efforts by many Goans across the globe who in their own way as brave warriors are doing their bit in keeping the Goan flame alive.
We all need to be very concerned about the air, water and sound pollution that is battering our little Goa. The wilful damage being inflicted on our environment and ecology is colossal. There is a dire need to stay united to Save our state from any further destruction. We owe this to Goa.
We have to encourage everyone, in particular the youth, to express their views and opinions fearlessly and candidly.
May we be always inspired and guided by those wise words of Mahatma Gandhi: ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world. A small group of determined and like-minded people can change the course of history.’
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
Chorao bridge is still a distant dream
A Government of India project has proposed and built a new Zuari Bridge- the second largest cable stayed in the country. During it ongoing works was in the news for traffic snarls but the important first phase of the bridge was inaugurated by road Transports and Highways Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and the State Government has invited the people to grace the event.
Under the BJP rule, the State has witnessed all road development and some semi and mega bridges were proposed and built and some are under proposed decision.
Sadly to recall, the Chorao bridge which was proposed for the 30 years back has become a distant dream of the islanders. In between successive Chief Ministers and MLAs have come and gone, the promise made to the people of Chorao of building the bridge has remained a landmark assurance.
The Government has said that the bridge will be built under the Sagarmala project and the land conversion process is in progress, but on the other side, heavy development works is going on Madel-Chorao-Ribandar ferry route and Chorao – Pomburpa. It seems the building of the bridge is a million dollar question to ponder.
Babluis Pereira, Pomburpa
Outsource drugs job to Hyderabad police
I appreciate the efforts of Hyderabad police in finally making some significant arrests on the drug peddling kingpins in Goa.
The Goa Govt publicizes a lot with its ministers and Goa police on addressing the drugs menace in Goa via various media forums, but the actual results are practically nothing!
Perhaps the job of cracking down on the drugs menace in Goa should be outsourced to the Hyderabad police!
Arwin Mesquita, Colva
Goa cheated on Mhadei issue
With an eye on the upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls, the Union Government has cheated Goa on the Mhadei issue. By approving the DPR of Karnataka Government, Goa has been left in the lurch. The Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant will need to fight this issue with his own party leadership. He must lead an all party delegation to Prime Minister and President. All 40 MLAs of Goa must resign en masse. This may build up some pressure as otherwise, the Union Government seems to give no value to Goa. With lack of a strong opposition in the Assembly and those elected on Congress candidatures embracing BJP, Goa is being taken for granted.
Sadanand Raikar, Colva
Honour for Messi
Many may know that during the FIFA 2022 world cup the entire Argentine team had stayed in the Qatar University campus, where the players were accorded a similar accommodation and facilities that a student of the university would get. This naturally will evoke keen interest for plenty of visitors to the university to know that in which room of the campus the Argentine legend Lionel Messi had stayed during the campaign. Playing a pivotal role in every game, the left-footed genius ended his country’s 36-year-long wait to win the prestigious trophy in Qatar.
To immortalise the feat therefore, the University of Qatar has decided to convert Room B201, in which Messi had stayed, into a miniature museum. Interestingly, the room and the entire area of the university campus now sport a new look with a blue and white theme to match the Argentine team’s jersey. This is indeed a huge honour for Messi and Argentina. Perhaps, henceforth in sporting lingo, number ‘201’ will resonate with Messi and world cup football.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
