Ajay Gaude, newly appointed Director of the Sports Policy for the State by December 2025, aligning it with the recently launched National Sports Policy 2025. He noted that Goa’s current policy, framed in 2009, is outdated and no longer reflects the changing sporting ecosystem. Gaude said the revised policy will be prepared with inputs from associations, experts, coaches, media and stakeholders, and will serve as a blueprint for the next 15–20 years. Goa’s challenge, he noted, is not building new facilities but ensuring effective use and upkeep of its worldclass infrastructure created during the Lusofonia Games and National Games. “Equipment must not be left idle or deteriorate. Associations and coaching units will be tasked with managing usage and maintenance,” he stressed, adding that new centres would be proposed where necessary with Central funding support. On coaching, Gaude said Goa’s 200-plus coaches need regularisation and proper placement. Vacancies in certain disciplines will be filled by engaging experienced sportspersons at grassroots level, while existing coaches will be offered opportunities for skill development and advanced training.
To sustain a competitive culture, Gaude announced plans to revive the State Games across multiple disciplines, alongside National and School Games, to identify talent and prepare athletes for higher-level competition. Goa is also set to strengthen its position as a sports tourism hub, with upcoming major events including the Chess World Cup (returning to India after 24 years), the Asian Championships, the Bhandarkar Trophy (Season 3) and the AFC Cup Pre-Qualifiers (India vs Singapore). These, he said, will both showcase Goa’s capacity to host international competitions and boost tourism. Another thrust will be on Youth Affairs, including NCC, Scouts and Guides, trekking, hiking and camping. “Our target is to bring at least 25% of Goa’s youth into structured outdoor activities,” he said, emphasising discipline and leadership-building alongside sports promotion. Gaude also highlighted grassroots initiatives like the Khelo Goa Centres and the Shivapakwada Project, which recently won the Scotch Award 2025. The award will be formally presented in Delhi this month. “None of these initiatives can succeed without teamwork.
I am fortunate to have dedicated staff, coaches and officers at DSYA and SAG. Together, under the leadership of the Chief Minister and Sports Minister, we will deliver results swiftly. I am confident that within a month, visible improvements will be seen,” Gaude declared.
What began as a ceremonial welcome has landed SAG Director Dr Ajay Gaude in controversy, with the government serving him a show-cause notice over what it termed ‘unprofessional conduct’. The Department of Personnel cited viral images and videos showing Gaude being welcomed with floral decorations and drum performances while taking charge. “Such behaviour amounts to conduct unbecoming of a government servant,” the notice read, demanding Gaude explain why disciplinary action should not follow. Officials said the move was aimed at reinforcing decorum and discipline within the civil service. Gaude, a senior bureaucrat with experience in key administrative roles, was recently tasked with revamping Goa’s sports infrastructure and policy. He has been asked to submit his formal explanation, with further action depending on the inquiry outcome.