RAIA: The future of young Goan table tennis, badminton and swimming players is under threat due to State Khelo India Centre of Excellence fielding players from outside the State in Goa events, alleged the parents representing swimming, table tennis, badminton players alongwith Sudesh Nagvenkar, secretary, Goa Swimming Association, Friday.
Addressing a press conference at BPS Club in Margao, Amir Caro, Sanjeev Naik, Naveed Tahasildar, Dipti Countancar and Sudesh Nagvekar alleged that the Khelo Centre has been fielding its trainees whose skills are much higher than the Goan boys, thus discouraging and demoralising the local talent. They are participating in the Goa state ranking tournaments, thereby displaying their supremacy in almost all the categories and eclipsing the Goans, pointed out Sudesh.
“It is a demotivating scenario for Goan youngsters and the parents are pondering over whether their children should even continue to participate in the State ranking tournaments. It’s our contention that these players from outside should not be allowed to participate in the Goa State ranking tournaments. Only Goan players should play and represent Goa at Zonals/Nationals,” Sudesh stressed.
Meanwhile, Goa Badminton Association (GBA) secretary Sandeep Heble defended the policy of fielding Khelo India players stating that “the Government in its wisdom and as part of its policy invited outstation players to the Centre in order to increase the pool of talent available for training and competition, thereby exposing local players to diverse playing styles and pushing them to perform at higher intensity.”
Sandeep added: “I see no major issue as far as badminton is concerned. In fact, the participation of Khelo India players has enriched the competition at our tournaments and is driving our players to perform better.”
