PANJIM: The government is soon to hold a meeting with Sesa Sterlite, which is reportedly contemplating to close down its football academy and Curchorem and Sankhli Industrial Training Institutes, owing to lack of funds, with the ban on mining.
Opposition Leader Pratapsingh Rane and BJP’s Sankhli Constituency MLA Dr Pramod Sawant raised the issue during Zero Hour apprehending the future of the youth, who are undergoing training at the two institutions.
“It (Sesa) has been the biggest exporter of iron ore before the mining ban. Now, the two institutes it is running are on the verge of being shut down. Will government consider ensuring that these are not closed, since many young people may suffer?” Rane asked the House.
Dr Sawant pointed out the apparent move to close down Sesa Football Academy as well and that the company has been transferring its workers to Maharashtra and Odisha.
“It is not proper to do so. They should be supported to continue (the academy),” he said urging government to call for a meeting with the management.
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar assured that he would hold a meeting with Sesa Sterlite in the presence of the both the MLAs.
The academy has produced some famous football stars such as Adil Khan, Godwin Franco, Denzil Franco, Gabriel Fernandes, Pratesh Shirodkar, who made their name in the country’s top I-League and Hero Indian Super League.
If indeed shut down, the club will head into the twilight as it is the only club in India to have sold a player to a foreign club, with that distinction heading to Chikudi Chukwuma, who now plays for FK Teplice in the Gambrinus Liga, in the Czech Republic.
