PANJIM: Only 16 State level Associations out of 40plus have intimated to Goa Olympic Association (GOA) their readiness to organise coaching camps of 90-day duration so as to field their teams in the ensuing 37th National Games to be held in Goa in October-November.
It is on March 1, that the GOA has intimated the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) about the proposal of 16 associations as per the directions of Sports Minister Govind Gaude given on February 15.
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Gurudatta Bhakta, Secretary General, said that February 28 was the cut off date set up by Sports Minister Gaude to submit by email or hard copy the requirements of coaching camp details.
The associations which have submitted their proposals are – archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, billiards and snooker, cycling, fencing, gymnastics, handball, hockey, judo, table tennis, triathlon, State tennis, weightlifting, yachting.
Asked, why the other associations, more than half the total number, did not submit their proposals on time, Bhakta disclosed that all associations were reminded to send their proposals, but that many did not send them which only reflects on their administrative capabilities. May be they will manage their own coaching programmes and do not need Government funding, but they have also not stated so, clarified Bhakta.
“Goa, being the hosts have the unique privilege of fielding teams in all 37 disciplines, whereas the other States can field teams only if they have reached the quarter-finals of their respective national championships,” stated Bhakta.
“There are no State associations affiliated to GOA in baseball, lawn bowls, netball, while the equestrian, modern pentathlon and rowing are dormant,” pointed out Bhakta, adding that provisional registration granted to rowing had expired in November, 2021. It is for the Government now to take a decision on their participation or not.
Bhakta lamented that there is not a single horse available for equestrian event as of now in Goa, while not much is known about rowing. “Goa did participate in canoeing the last time in National Games with the participants surprisingly being non-Goans. It would only be proper and fair that Goans only must represent the State in the event. However, it is up to the Government to decide on the issue,” remarked the GOA official.
The Sports Minister had in the meeting stressed the need of organising proper residential coaching camps of at least 45 days so that Goa could excel and earn as many medals as possible. He had even asked the associations to obtain the services of experienced coaches, sports psychologists, physical trainers, even outstation ones, with the sole objective of raising the standards keeping the medal prospect in mind.
It will be for the SAG to gauge the seriousness of the preparations exercise and get the associations working in right earnest. The somewhat lackadaisical attitude of some of the associations can be gauged from the fact that four are yet to submit their accounts pertaining to participation in National Games held in Gujarat from September 29 to October 12, with the other nine having already submitted the same on time.
