DABOLIM: The entire port town was eagerly waiting for the 3rd edition of All-India Bicycle Race but the participants and the spectators were left high and dry as the event was called off at the eleventh hour after the organizers were denied permission by the District Administration.
This year’s edition, which was supposedly to be bigger and better with around thousand participants from all ages across the country, especially from Karnantaka, Maharashtra, Punjab were eagerly waiting in the grid after the registrations.
However, the participants were shell-shocked to hear organising chairperson and ex-revenue minister Jose Philip D’Souza calling off the race and informing that the permission was not cleared by the concerned authorities.
“It is surprising that at the last minute the permission has been denied as the event is being organized for the past two years,” stated distressed ex-MLA Jose Philip.
“When Goa has hosted Lusofonia Games and will now play host to the Indian Super League, Federation Cup, Durand Cup and the upcoming Under-17 football World Cup, how the government felt it deemed fit to cancel the all-India cycle race at the last minute without giving the chance to inform the cyclists in advance,” questioned Jose Philip.
“Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar should explain to the people of Vasco and the participants the reason behind withdrawing the permission when the State government is promoting sports at all levels,” felt the politician.
D’Souza also blamed the local politician for playing politics in sports.
While talking to Herald, the only lady participant Gurmeet Sandhu stated that it is very sad that the permission is withdrawn at the last minute. Such actions from the government will kill the spirit of sportsmanship in the State.
“It is surprising that on one hand the government is trying to promote sports in schools and other institutions and while on the other hand, denies permission for an event of National level at the last minute,” expressed Sandhu.
Sandhu further added, “the government should not mix politics and sports which will have bad effect on young sportsmen.”
Another cyclist Anthony Fernandes from Cansaulim opined the same views.
“I have been training myself for the last one year and had been anxiously waiting to take part in the race, however I received a rude shock when I was told that the event stands cancelled and the reason not known,” stated Anthony.
Nachiket Joshi from Pune said that they were looking forward for the event and had come all the way from Pune with his group.
“This is the third time I took part and this year I came with high expectations,” stated Joshi.
Efforts to contact Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar were futile.
