PANJIM: One of the brightest prospects from India, our very own Yash Fadte, who has brought so many laurels to the State, was once again left dejected when he learnt that his name is still in consideration in availing government grants while three others successfully managed to get through.
Squash isn’t familiar sport in Goa, but this particular sport has produced a National icon from Goa who also currently holds the top rank in the U-19 Category –Yash Fadte. A player who rose above the ranks and proudly boasts about the rise and success, thanks to his undying support from his father—Dilip Fadte.
Despite not receiving any financial aid from the start, the National squash star was left lurking as his application was kept under consideration for financial grants from the government.
“This is humiliation. I am hurt that the Goa government has said they will think of considering it. If others are given then why not Yash?” questioned a disheartened Dilip Fadte, who has never received any benefits or support from the State government.
“I have been informed that his application is still under consideration due to technical glitches as the association isn’t registered with SAG. They have asked the association to comply with SAG and then further processing will be done,” informed Dilip
“For last ten years, Yash has been playing for Goa and has been getting many medals and if that is the case they should have ratified and guided us. I am not asking anything extra but only to give whatever we have spent as Yash has made Goa proud and has represented the country every time he played,” explained the senior Fadte.
Yash, who began his squash career at the age of 7 has been ranked 1 in the junior category and has couple of national titles to his name. At 17 now, nothing has changed. He is still among the top national players and yet has’t received any support from the government.
“We are practising on our personal squash court and if I was depending on the government then I don’t think we would see Yash at this level today.”
“We travel every weekend to Mumbai for training to have better exposure,” added Dilip.
“We weren’t even given accommodation at Goa Sadan in New Delhi during some of our squash events despite our constant requests to the government,” added Dilip.
Dilip Fadte spends around 15 to 20 lakhs p.a. on his son’s sporting activities.
“I haven’t received a single penny from the government so far. Yash has grown up now and is observing everything. He has seen how much I spent so far and I don’t want him to lose focus from his sport. Even though I haven’t said to him about this, he has observed it and feels the pain about the amount we are investing in him,” explained Dilip.
It can be recalled that former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar tweeted instantly when Yash won the US Junior Open Squash Championship in 2017.
“When we returned back, we were assured of support and help and then things changed. Parrikar fell ill and his words only remained words,” stated Dilip.
“If you have money then you put your kids in sports or else don’t do it as we can’t have any expectations from the Government.”
“We don’t have a godfather and that is one reason we are suffering,” added Dilip.
Yash is the first squash player out of the 300 odd players to feature in the GoSports Foundation.
“Players from other states who are far behind me are funded by their respective government. It’s surprising that Goa has No.1 Squash player and the State government isn’t helping nor supporting the player,” added a dejected Yash Fadte.
“I haven’t got any monetary support from the government but at least they should acknowledge and appreciate me when I get laurels,” added Yash who will fly on Saturday to Malaysia to play the World Junior Championship which commences from July 31.
–On National Games–
Dilip Fadte lashed out at the Government’s decision to postpone the National Games yet again to a fresh date.
“I have watching assembly session from a long time and nothing is changing. Every session they speak about sports and youth policy and nothing changes,” added Fadte.
Postponing National Games itself is the sign that there is no progress to the event. The State has to be very serious regarding sports. This is one of the reasons why sportsmen are not reaching at the highest peak,” explained Dilip.
“I am totally disappointed with National Games being postponed and my 4-5
years have been lost. If Goa can’t host then pass on the baton to some other state as the sportspersons shouldn’t lose from the opportunities,” concluded Dilip.
