Local body builder Manohar Naik pointed out that the level of the ground, which is being used to play cricket, should be raised in order to make it useable throughout the year. “The ground level is low and water logging during the monsoon makes it impossible to use the ground for nearly half the year,” said Naik.
A mini multipurpose sports hall and later a gymnasium were inaugurated when former MLA Domnic Fernandes was minister of law, judiciary and information.
“I had created the infrastructure for sports activities, keeping in mind the needs of sportspersons and schools, so that students could take interest in sports activities and even pursue a career in sports,” said Fernandes.
“I wanted to acquire more land adjacent to the complex for volleyball and basketball courts, as well as a swimming pool. But unfortunately, the Assembly was dissolved and President’s Rule was imposed,” he added.
The sports complex has other issues. “At present, women and men use the same gymnasium and there is a need for a separate gymnasium for ladies. Besides, authorities should also build a pavilion and increase the seating capacity,” said Naik.
Anthony D’Souza, a physical education teacher at a local school, said the infrastructure provided at the complex was in need of immediate up-gradation. “The badminton court can be modified to accommodate an additional court,” he said.
D’Souza also appealed to the authorities to provide coaches at the complex for badminton and table tennis games. “The government should encourage students to participate in sports activities in the State,” he said.
Speaking to Herald, John Fernandes, in-charge of the complex, said Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral had convened a meeting with the sports complex committee. “The committee expressed its views and suggestions to upgrade the SAG complex and the MLA has assured to take up the necessary work at the complex on a priority basis,” he said.
When contacted, Cabral said the Directorate of Sports has floated a tender for Rs 4.5 crore to upgrade the SAG ground.
“I have undertaken various measures to improve the SAG complex. The ground has remained unutilized for most of the time, due to water logging in the absence of a proper drainage system. After I was elected as MLA, I requested the government and immediately appointed a consultant to conduct a preliminary estimate,” said Cabral.
He said he had taken an initiative to start a gymnasium for women. “Since there has been a good response from women, there is less space in the existing gymnasium. I have now proposed an extension of the gymnasium with latest equipment,” said Cabral.
“Improvement of the drainage system, raising the height of the playground by about 4 feet, an additional hall where about 400 children can be accommodated to teach them various martial arts and various other activities will be taken on priority basis,” said Cabral.
