The construction of a swank and ultra modern Panjim Gymkhana has resulted in an ugly spat between the gymkhana management and the Sports Authority of Goa which has alleged that their practice facilities have been removed and a compound wall of the gymkhana built, illegally. At the core of the issue is the claims over land. The gymkhana says it is a non issue since a demarcation done by the Land and Survey Department in the presence of SAG officials, found that part of SAG land was actually leased to Panjim Gymkhana and once the demarcation process was finished, a compound wall was built demarcating the property as per the land survey records.
But the collateral damage has been done, according to SAG, on several budding and even established cricketers for whom the cricket ground was home where they practiced regularly
“The players are left with just one turf and one concrete turf out of total 8,” said a player, who did not wish to be named.
The workers of the Sports Authority of Goa complain that they have no access to their pump house-cum-utility store where they stored their required materials.
Another parent said, “The Panjim Gymkhana too would benefit the local youth as they too are planning practice pitches for youngsters.” But the pitches in existence for these years are affordable to everyone. “During vacation around 100-150 budding players are seen practicing at the nets and now we have almost nothing,” said another player.
Gymkhana members however say that new gymkhana will have much better facilities. According to one senior gymkhana member, “The new Panjim Gymkhana will have a new swimming pool and a well-equipped gym with better facilities which will help the sportsmen in a big way. Also, the whole gymkhana in general will have better facilities and an added staff for its maintenance. The youth will obviously benefit from all these facilities and enhance their sports skills in their respective games.”
He added that games like table tennis will be given importance to enable the sportsmen choose what they prefer. Now they can practice and hold matches at the same ground without time consumption due to the extra space that is going to be allotted. For the time being though, Panjim’s cricketers feel that they have been given out.
