ALLAN D’CRUZ
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PANJIM: Over the last three weeks we have seen various issues concerning different constituencies across the State. But among the lot, there are few which have been more of a State’s concern and Sports development is the major issue we have been facing over the past five years.
Altogether 301 candidates will be battling for the 40 seats at the Goa Assembly election, but if you run through their manifestos, maximum highlighted the development of sports in the form of infrastructure, stadiums and development of certain sports.
And why so? They all know that the Goa government hasn’t done enough to push the sporting activities in the State.
With National Games hopes of being held in the State, existing indoor stadiums/ sports complexes have been refurbished in places such as Panjim, Ponda and Fatorda and some additional facilities like a hockey stadium and tennis courts have been created which is good for progress of these games.
While this could be the positives the government would boast, their development is just a drop in the ocean of opportunities where they failed miserably, say members and players of different sports associations and sports.
Construction of some infrastructure such as the Swimming pool at Campal or Squash stadium at Chicalim had been at a snail’s pace which totally hampered the sport. Being denied training facilities, squash sensation Yash Fadte had to travel to the other side of the world to pursue his professional dream.
Meanwhile in the case of swimming it just frustrated the parents of the budding swimmers. Some had to even travel 60+ kms in the interest of training their children.
Goa Swimming Association Sudesh Nagvenkar lamented at the sorry state of affairs and said, “The last five years have been the lowest in sports. This is not just in swimming but the government has failed to support the athletes.
“Negligence from the sports minister was the main reason the swimming pools at Fatorda aren’t operational till date. For the last 10 years sports has been neglected by ministers who don’t understand sports. It’s high time the bureaucrats take charge and run the affairs for the greater interest of the state,” he added.
Another official stated that certain individuals are given charges of multiple sporting bodies and associations which make it difficult for them to function.
While the GSA secretary spoke about the sorry state of ‘cosmetic’ infrastructure development, Goa Badminton Association Secretary Sandeep Heble stated that the govt should develop the athletes.
“Government needs to come up with some new schemes and establish residential academies that can create players of National and international repute,” stated Sandeep Heble.
Meanwhile Hockey player and official Anthony Vas explained that Goa got the hockey turf available to them only in 2021. “Thanks to Herald we got to the ground much sooner. But yes, we need more coaches and support from the Government in case we want to see our players play for the National team,” he added.
In recent times, we have seen the State of Odisha doing exceptionally well in terms of development and promotions of sports.
