MARGAO: Congress Curtorim MLA Alexio Reginaldo Lourenco on Saturday urged the government henceforth all sports infrastructure in the State should be named only after Goa’s sportspersons, who have left an imprint on the global sports arena.
In a letter to Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, the MLA stated soon after the decision to name the forthcoming hockey stadium in Mapusa and present Bambolim Athletic Stadium after hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand and athletic legend Milkha Singh, several Goans based in the State and outside are of the opinion that all remaining or upcoming sports infrastructure in the State of Goa must be named only after sportspersons of Goa, who brought laurels for India and State.
“It is given to understand that Goa down the ages has produced many famous sportspersons including Leo Pinto (goalkeeper) and member of the Gold Medal winning hockey team in 1948 London Summer Olympics. Walter de Sousa, member of the Gold Medal winning hockey team in 1948 London Summer Olympics. Neville D’Souza, a footballer who had scored hat-trick in the 1956 Summer Olympics at Melbourne. Mary D’Souza Sequeira (multiple medal winning athlete in Asian Games) and hockey player who represented India in the two successive World Cup’s of 1953 and 1956. Stephanie/Stephie D’Souza (Gold Medal winning athlete in 4×100 metres of 1954 Manila Asian Games) and represented India in 1953 and 1961. Vece Paes was a member of India’s bronze medal winning hockey team in 1972 Munich Olympics. Joaquim Martin Carvalho, hockey player who represented India in 1984 Olympics,1986 World Cup, 1982 Asian Games, 1985 Asia Cup. Brahmanand Sankhwalkar, one of the finest goalkeepers to represent India ever and captained India for three years from 1983 to 1986. Dilip Sardesai, only Goan-born cricketer who played for India in 30 Test matches and scored 2,001 runs with 212 being his highest score against the West Indies,” Alexio Reginaldo stated.
“In view of the above it is high time that the State of Goa recognises the contribution of Goa’s own sporting legends down the years. I request your good self that henceforth all sports infrastructure in Goa must be named only after Goa’s sportspersons who have left an imprint on the global sports arena,” he urged.
