It may be recalled that in 2004, the then chief minister late Manohar Parrikar, himself had demolished the Campal ground to make space for parking of vehicles of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) dignitaries putting the fraternity of football lovers; of drink football, eat football and sleep football to mourn the demolition of the three decades old Campal Stadium.
In a quick move, Parrikar had then assured to rebuild better ground then one after the first IFFI, but his Government had fallen soon. Then after he (Parrikar) again came to power, a football enthusiastic Dr Rufino Monteiro with some football lovers had raised their voices against the demolition. Then Parrikar had declared Rs 5 crore grant for a Goa Football Development Council to be set up under the Chairmanship of Dr Monteiro, then any voices was heard.
Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao, who had contributed lot to the football sports, and during the Goa Football Association Presidential election said, if he wins, his priority would be to develop the neglected grounds and used for sports infrastructure to improve the football standard in Goa.
Our football enthusiastic Sports Minister Manohar (Babu) Ajgaonar recently expressed sadness on the floor of the House over the falling standard of football and had urged Goa Football Development Council (GFDC) and Goa Football Association (GFA) to work hand in hand to produce world class football players in Goa.
With changing times, playing in paddy fields and makeshifts grounds can’t produce world class football players, need world class stadiums. Request the GDFC and GFA should move the proposal before Sports Minister or Chief Minister to rebuild the capital city’s Campal Stadium which resting in peace for long 15 years.
