PANJIM: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) aims to take the State’s sports scenario to another level as they have released their agenda for governance with some lucrative sports schemes and proposals for the Goans.
AAP’s agenda for governance which includes setting up of a State Sports University and launching a ‘Mission’ to groom young girls and boys into Olympic medal prospects.
With AAP convenor Elvis Gomes, who is also heading the State’s football governing body – Goa Football Association — has dedicated a serious portion of its State election manifesto to the cause of sports and promises to take it back to its dominant space at the top of Indian football.
The AAP government promises to launch, “Goa Olympic Mission in 2017 across the State to increase contribution from Goans to India’s international medals’ tally and double Goa’s tally in the Nat Games 2019. The ‘Mission’ lays stress on excellence and includes financial allowances to receive world class training for exceptionally talented girls and boys,” said the AAP in their manifesto.
AAP also promises State’s presence in the Under-17/20/23 national football teams.
“Partnerships with international federations like FIFA, UEFA will be actively pursued to boost Goa’s football potential. Prospective professional footballers will be allowed to resume education even after a few years’ break. This provision will be extended to other sports disciplines too,” the statement reads.
The manifesto also proposes Goa’s Physical Education and Sports State University will be dedicated entirely to the pursuance of Bachelors/Masters and higher degrees in Physical Education, Sports Management, Yoga and Physiology in Goa.
“This University will also provide viable career options for sports trainers and those amateur sportspersons who move away from this field due to lack of life sustaining options,” said AAP.
The AAP manifesto promises to double the State government’s Sports budget from under 1 per cent currently to at least 2 per cent of the State’s total outlay.
“To counter nepotism and other forms of corruption, which is more the rule rather than the exception, the AAP government will establish standard rules for recruiting/scouting/selecting sports talent, the manifesto promises,” said AAP.
The manifesto further said, “Goa’s famed football clubs who have been at loggerheads with governments and sports administrators will be entitled to financial support from the AAP government.”
Village level clubs will be promoted through higher funding and new championships: Intrastate/inter-village championships annually for different sports. Existing village level clubs will also be helped with grants. “All villages with no sports grounds will be identified and sports arenas will be made available as per local requirements and consent.” said the manifesto.
