Squash
The sport of squash is one area where Goa has India’s top talent. A medal would be certain for the junior US Open champion Yash Fadte who had been aiming for the National Games medal since 2014.
“I had been training for the National Games since I was 13. It’s been nearly 7 years now since my hard work has been on but I have not been able to turn any of that into a National Games medal due to the negligence and irresponsible behaviour of the concerned authority when it comes to conducting of the Games,” stated an agitated Fadte, one of the many sportspersons who has been vocal about the wrongdoings and malpractices affecting sportspersons in the State.
It’s been six years since the youngster has been tirelessly training for the moment where he could get a chance to play at the Games.
The wait, excitement, expectations and anticipation which was once palpable among the sports enthusiasts has lost all hopes now. While many missed the chance of gaining national experience due to their passing age, others had to opt for different plans to take care of their families and few, despite being in the sport, have passed their peak.
Boxing
Boxing is another field where Goa excelled in the past. With the Games being delayed, lot of hopes of Goan boxers have been dampened too. “Santosh Harijan, Vishwanat Naik have been medalists for Goa and competed internationally as well. But because of the delays in the Games, they could not hold on to their boxing dreams and did their NIS Diploma in coaching,” stated Danushka Da Gama, secretary of the Goa Boxing Association.
They aren’t the only ones, Abu Talib is another boxer who was practising regularly but he had to call the time on the sport. “He couldn’t wait for so long and thus he had to look for his livelihood and had to take up a job as a fitness trainer to take care of his lone mother,” added Danushka.
Ashok Patil had been another bright prospect, who left the State and joined cult fitness in Pune.
“Boxers have left amateur boxing and joined professionals and it’s very difficult for them to come back into amateur boxing,” stated Danushka.
Santosh Harijan, a two-time silver medallist in 2007 and 2011 at National Games might miss on the chance of taking part in his last Games if postponed further. “I have been training over the years and want to win gold for the State. However, I have registered for NIS course last year and this could be my last chance to play or else I’ll miss it,” stated Santosh.
“The Games should have happened by now. It didn’t happen in time when we had most of our athletes at their peak. When the Games don’t happen in time, the preparations start all over again. And when the competition doesn’t take place, then it goes to waste,” Santosh expressed.
Some of the players weren’t getting exposure so they joined professional boxing. “Umesh Chawab, Arun, Sairaj Pauskar are a few talented boxers who had to quit boxing due to various reasons,” stated coach Pravin Shirodkar.
Badminton
In Badminton, the list of players selected to represent at the National Games change every year. “If the National Games is held next year, our 10 players will mostly be different from the ones who would have been selected 3-4 years earlier. Maybe some common might be there,” stated Sandeep Heble Goa Badminton Association secretary.
Goa won laurels in badminton where Anushka Kuvelkar and Anura Prabhudessai clinched bronze in Kerala in 2015. However, Anushka’s desire of bettering her medal has been dealt a blow due to the constant delays.
The shuttler didn’t quit badminton yet, but definitely she wouldn’t be at her best what she was a few years ago. It is learnt that Anushka, a lawyer now, has limited time on the court due to other commitments. “We all know what reality is. I still play for the State, but I don’t participate in Nationals as much as I used to do earlier. Since the last three years, I have participated in limited events,” stated the former International who represented the country in the U-19 at Germany and Netherlands.
“National Games is like a ladder to play for the country and yes many athletes have lost a chance to play for the country,” stated Anushka.
Well these are just the few athletes among the many who could have made the State proud. There are many others who would have got a chance to represent the State and achieve their dreams which have been blown away by these constant delays in the Games.
Recently, the government had made announcements of the National Games happening soon.
We hope it’s not just another false promise. The authorities concerned should consider the well-being of an athlete and stop playing with their careers. Instead of just getting the infrastructure ready, the State needs to focus on players and send them for proper training. We need to get medals at the Games. Hosting the Games is just one part of it, but winning medals is the main part of it. As a host State we need to do well.
