PANJIM: Goans Hockey received an award for the Best Unit performance for 2020-2021 from the national body Hockey India in New Delhi on Saturday.
Goans Hockey, through their affiliated clubs, conducts various local tournaments throughout the year and was one of the active bodies running team sports in the State.
Goa, hosted the Sub-Junior Boys National championships in May this year with 30 teams participating from all over India at the Peddem Sports Complex.
Farrel Furtado e Gracias, Goans Hockey secretary, said, “We have also promoted our players and physical education teachers to become umpires and technical staff. We are promoting hockey through the conduct of State championships and hope host further National championships.
“During the Covid period we conducted quizzes online. This year we conducted matches. The virus certainly had an effect on our activities. This award is an appreciation of our efforts.”
Speaking about the new proposed artificial pitch in South Goa, she said the association was waiting for the land to be handed over from the State government.
Furtado added that Goans Hockey had sponsors to lay the artificial pitch due to the unconditional support from President Xavier Marquis.
Gracias said, “A Hockey kit is very expensive, especially for goalkeepers. A squad comprises 18 players and kits for all is expensive. So we appeal to the MLA , Panchayat members, Corporates etc to come forward and sponsor a school in villages with us providing all the coaching facilities.”
Furtado revealed the vision for Goans Hockey. “We wish to to create players for India. Our rural youth who are tough and have an ample amount of stamina are the strength for the vision,” she said.
She appealed to the Sports Authority of Goa and the Government for additional assistance. The state championship will commence from Dec 5 and the association hoped the clubs would participate.
