TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The solution to the lingering basketball crisis in Goa appears to be in sight, following discussions held between the existing committee and representatives of some of the active basketball clubs.
It is learnt that a few suggestions were proposed during such discussions, which seem to have found favour with the current committee, whose members too do not seem to be too keen on continuing further and are willing to make way for others to take over.
One such suggestion which has been mooted is to take on board one representative from each of the active basketball clubs and to form an ad-hoc committee from among these members, till proper elections are held. Once the ad-hoc committee takes over, membership could be formally opened to individuals and / or clubs and institutions paving the way for carrying forward a democratic process and holding full-fledged elections.
It is reliably learnt that the Basketball Federation of India too is in favour of getting such a new committee in place, which could happen anytime. And ,with the accounts of the Association appearing to be in order, the renewal of the association before the Registrar of Society’s office shouldn’t also be too much of a hassle, a source added.
It is learnt that one of Goa’s top industrialists who has been associated with the game in the past during its glory days is being persuaded to take over the reins of the association, which could be a significant step forward in reviving the game, the basketball fraternity believes.
Attempts are also being made to revive some of the clubs which were actively involved in promoting the game in the past. Few of these clubs have evinced great interest and have shown indications of being involved in the game once again.
If things work out as per plans, each of the clubs will be asked to conduct one tournament at least in each calendar year, and there could be as many as eight to 10 tournaments in the forthcoming calendar season, including age group tournaments. Presently, there are only three to four tournaments being held each year and hardly any age category tournaments for the youngsters, which is affecting their performance at the National levels.
Basketball players have been the worst sufferers due to the tussles between various groups and factions in the past. With most of the stakeholders having nearly arrived at a mutually agreeable solution, the revival of the game appears to be heading forward in a positive direction now.
