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PANJIM: For football to thrive in the State, there should be cohesion among all stakeholders and a well-defined roadmap, stated Sports Minister Govind Gaude.
He was speaking at the Goa Football Development Council’s (GFDC) 12th anniversary celebration and National Sports Week organised in collaboration with Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim recently.
Acknowledging the dedication of GFDC coaches and staff over the past 12 years, Gaude highlighted the importance of consistent effort and the role of coaches in shaping young talent.
“Only when we produce an international player can we say we’ve truly achieved something,” he said, urging everyone to work unitedly to strengthen the sport in the State.
He further expressed his appreciation to Goa Football Association (GFA) President Caitano Fernandes, who through his passion is taking football to greater heights in the State.
Sports Secretary Swetika Sachan congratulated the GFDC and SAG for their consistent efforts in nurturing football over the past 12 years.
“Goans have a strong attachment to the sport. It is important to have values such as discipline, teamwork, and collaboration, which have been integral to the development of football in the state,” she said.
Sachan also praised the SAG for successful organisation of the National Games in the State last year.
Delivering the opening address, GFDC Member Secretary Dr Geeta Nagvekar expressed her gratitude to the Sports Minister for his vision to develop sports in the State and unwavering support.
She hailed the staff and coaches of GFDC and SAG for their dedication over the years.
“The GFDC has grown to 35 centres across rural and urban areas, with 2,238 trainees currently under the guidance of 72 coaches,” Dr Nagvekar highlighted.
The celebration also included exhibition matches between teams from the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs (DSYA), SAG, GFA, and GFDC.
The SAG clinched the trophy, winning the match (3-2) against GFA.
The GFDC, founded on July 29, 2012 by the late chief minister Manohar Parrikar, was launched with the mission of promoting football as the official sport of Goa and nurturing talent across the State.
Also present were GFA President Caitano Fernandes and SAG Director Administration Kedar Naik.
