PANJIM: The Goa Football Association has strongly opposed the decision of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs’ (DSYA) to allow a private cricket club to conduct a five-day cricket tournament at the Cuncolim football ground.
The GFA and its President Elvis Gomes are disappointed as the ground was among the five which was bestowed with one of the best football turfs during the 3rd Lusofonia Games as practice grounds for football.
“The ground is a symbol of pride for the football fraternity where even the Indian National team practices and top notch competitions are possible. However, the DSYA has set a wrong precedent by allowing it to be used for purposes other than football. Many have expressed concern over this development,” said Gomes in an official statement.
Gomes also said that GFA would formally protest to the Government as it was awaiting responses from member clubs to take up the issue.
The Cuncolim football ground is traditionally been a hotbed of talent for footballer from different generations. Inspirational footballers like the late Basilio Menezes (Tata Sports Club, Mumbai) and even the national football team captain like Mahesh Gawli across generations have been groomed and nurtured at this very same ground.
When Herald contacted Director of DSYA YB Tawde he informed that he has received complaints on the issue and will act accordingly.
“I have already received complaints on this particular matter and will take cognizance on the same on Monday. The private club will be organizing a tennis ball cricket tournament. However, they will be using a mat on the pitch. If there are any damages to the ground, the cricket club will have to bear the expenses of the same,” stated Tawde.
The ground has currently been earmarked by FIFA as a training venue for the FIFA U-17 World Cup to be held in 2017 in which Goa has been listed as a most likely key venue.
“I was shocked and surprised over the decision of DSYA. I am not against any sport but one of the topmost football grounds in Goa, which is in Cuncolim, will be used to play cricket and it is unfair and unjust. I request the Sports Minister, Director of DSYA and MLA of Cuncolim Rajan Naik to withdraw the NOC given to organize the cricket tournament. The cricket club can easily shift their venue in the interest of football,” opined Arnaldo Costa, GFA’s executive member and President of Curtorim Gymkhana.
President of Cuncolim Union Prakash Dessai informed that the organizers are not a registered body. Moreover, the Government had restricted the use of matting on the playing surface during the 3rd Lusofonia Games to prevent the grass from damage.
“The organizers are Youth of Cuncolim which is not a registered entity, either with the Goa Cricket Association or any other sports body than how are the DSYA assured of reimbursement if the ground is damaged?,” questioned Dessai.
An AIFF team is likely to inspect the ground again next week as a probable venue for the AFC U-16 competition is slated to be held in September 2016 as a curtain raiser to the World Cup. The AIFF President, Praful Patel had even suggested that the AIFF Academy be set up at Cuncolim.
