Team Herald
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PAnjim: Goa will commence its campaign for the gold medal in football on Thursday, at the Indira Gandhi International Sports Stadium, Haldwani, at 2 pm, with a challenging opening match against Assam in the 38th National Games. The match is expected to be a crucial test for the Goan squad as they aim to make a strong start in their pursuit of the top prize.
Speaking to Herald, Goa head coach Charles Dias acknowledged the strength of their opponents, noting that Assam, like Kolkata, is a recognised football hub. He stressed that his team would not underestimate their rivals, who have a history of success in the tournament.
“Assam is a strong team and we will not take them lightly,” Dias said. “When I came on board with my team for this assignment, we were all on the same page. Even though this is a short tournament, we are approaching it as a marathon. It will be tough, but we have to overcome the conditions and come out on top.”
When asked about the composition of his squad, Dias expressed confidence in his players, describing the team as well-balanced and capable of delivering quality football. He remained optimistic about their chances but refrained from making bold predictions.
On the challenge posed by Assam, Dias highlighted the advantage their opponents might have in terms of familiarity with the climatic conditions and local food, which could reflect in their performance. “These factors are common in any competition,” he said. “We are going in with a winning mindset, but I won’t say much more about the match—I’ll let the boys do the talking on the field.”
Historically, Assam has enjoyed success in the National Games football tournament, having won the gold medal in 2007. Goa, on the other hand, has come close on multiple occasions but has yet to claim the top prize. The coastal State secured silver medals in 1997 and 2001 and a bronze in 2011.
