Team Herald
PANJIM: The sports enthusiasts from the City and surrounding areas will get a boost as the first phase of Panjim Gymkhana is all set to open on the Republic Day (January 26).
The facilities –which will be started now –include swimming pool, badminton, table tennis and pool. Besides members pavilion, dressing rooms – home & away, umpire room and a restaurant will be also inaugurated.
The new venues opened can accommodate 1000 plus people for events called ‘Sunset Lawns’. In the second phase, facilities which will be added include – health club, gymnasium, squash, cards room, billiards room & halls.
Speaking on the occasion President of Panjim Gymkhana Manoj Caculo informed that the foundation stone for the structure was laid in January 2016 and the first phase of the project was completed within a record time of 2 years”.
“Compared to what was earlier and what we see now there is a huge difference. The facilities which are going to be operational immediately are swimming pool, badminton court, indoor game facilities (table tennis, pool, carrom, chess) besides two international standard dressing rooms, an umpire room, member pavilion and a restaurant”.
“The two floodlit tennis courts are unfortunately delayed due to technical reasons and will be ready soon.
“More than 40 of our members representing Goa in Ranji trophy have been neglected so far as such our emphasis now will also be on starting coaching classes in cricket for every age where in these ex-players can train them. Besides we are also in touch with celebrity crickets and coaches from all over the country,” Manoj informed.
“We have already begun work for two practice pitches besides the river side wherein the classes will be held,” he added.
“Training classes for tennis and badminton will be also organised in the course of time,” he said.
Speaking on the cricket ground, which will be of international standards, he said that the ground which was supposed to be done by Goa Cricket Association could not be completed and kept on hold due to subjudice matter between the association and BCCI. However a week ago Panjim Gymkhana committee with the help of sports passionate decided not to stop work and do the ground all over own.
“Our plan is, to build up our own team leaving aside the other State players and I am confident we will be able to do it very soon,” he concluded.
Currently there are a lot of famous tournaments being organised by Panjim Gymkhana for decades like All Goa Table Tennis Tournaments, Angley’s TT Team Championship, Bandodkar Trophy Cricket Tournament and Germania Trophy Inter School Cricket Tournament. The inauguration will be held at the hands of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
