Kushavati, Goa: The Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs (DSYA), Government of Goa, has taken a significant step towards strengthening grassroots sports development with the establishment of the Late Manohar Parrikar Sports Excellence Centre in Kushavati District. The initiative witnessed an enthusiastic response, with more than 220 young athletes participating in the selection trials held on June 18, 2026.
The Sports Excellence Centre is part of the Goa government’s vision to identify and nurture sporting talent through world-class infrastructure and professional coaching programmes. It complements the state’s expanding sports ecosystem, including the ₹28-crore indoor sports facility initiative spearheaded by Sports Minister Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar and existing venues such as the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium at Navelim.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The centre will provide specialized training to boys and girls aged between 10 and 18 years in five disciplines—Athletics, Badminton, Handball, Kho-Kho, and Kabaddi. Coaching sessions will be conducted at the Balram Residential School Campus.
Selection trials for the inaugural batch commenced at 3 p.m. on June 18 and drew participants from across Goa. In the first phase, 100 talented athletes will be shortlisted for systematic training and development under experienced coaches.
Speaking on the occasion, Sports Minister Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar outlined the vision behind the establishment of the Sports Excellence Centre, emphasizing the government’s commitment to creating equal opportunities for aspiring athletes across the state.
He announced that similar Sports Excellence Centres will be set up in every taluka of Goa, ensuring that young sportspersons, irrespective of their geographical location, have access to quality coaching and modern sports infrastructure.
Director of Sports & Youth Affairs Dr. Ajay R. Gaude described the launch of the centre as a major milestone in the state’s grassroots sports development strategy.
“Our vision is to identify talented young athletes at an early age and provide them with scientific coaching, quality infrastructure, and continuous support to help them reach their full potential,” he said.
Dr. Gaude noted that the participation of over 220 athletes in the selection trials reflects the growing enthusiasm for sports among Goa’s youth. He added that the first batch of 100 selected athletes will receive structured training in Athletics, Badminton, Handball, Kho-Kho, and Kabaddi at the Balram Residential School Campus.
He further stated that under the leadership of Sports Minister Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar, the Directorate is committed to building a robust sports ecosystem throughout Goa. The planned expansion of Sports Excellence Centres to every taluka, he said, will provide equal opportunities to talented youngsters and help produce future national and international champions.
The initiative marks another significant milestone in the Government of Goa’s efforts to develop sporting talent at the grassroots level and lay a strong foundation for the state’s future success in competitive sports.
