Govt okay with junkets but shuns sponsor for true talent

TEAM HERALD

MARGAO: The Goa government had moved with alacrity to sanction Rs 85 lakh tax payers money to allow its ministers and MLAs for the Brazil World Cup junket, but is now shy of sponsoring Goa’s young and promising powerlifters selected to represent India at the World Powerlifting Championship at USA later this month.

After knocking the doors of the Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar and Sports Minister, Ramesh Tawadkar, besides Fisheries Minister, Avertano Furtado, the duo -- Prince Pereira (Cavelossim) and Prasad Naik (Navelim) -- made a fervent plea to Goans at large for financial assistance to travel to Las Vegas for the championship beginning October 17.

Both Prince and Prasad have won laurels for Goa in the last two years and now earn the distinction of being the national referees representing the State.

“The Chief Minister had sounded positive before we were selected for Team India, but we have not heard anything from him thereafter. Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar says we are eligible for only Rs 8000 as per the State Youth Policy, but this amount will not even help us travel to Delhi, leave alone US”, Prince told media on Saturday.

He said the Sports Minister has contended the government cannot grant any financial assistance to them since the Powerlifting Association only enjoys temporary government recognition. “We are forced to drop the chance of representing India with no financial assistance coming from the government or from any other source. We are indeed hurt by the government’s stand”, Prasad said. 

The duo, however said, they received support from their respective MLAs – Navelim MLA Avertano Furtado and Benaulim MLA Caitu Silva – but are looking for the financial assistance that would cover their expenses, including the championship entry fee amounting to Rs 50,000. “We require around Rs 7.65 lakh to not only participate in the championship, but help us make a career in power lifting”, Prasad said.

The duo said powerlifting offers tremendous potential for budding Goan youth and the sport will indeed receive a big fillip if the government supports it financially.