Goemakrponn desk
PANAJI: The Goa Badminton Association has objected to the Election Commission taking over the Indoor Stadium Premises for Election-related purposes.
The GBA in a strongly worded letter to CM Pramod Sawant and Sports Minister Babu Azgaonkar, has said that,the election officials must look for alternate premises.
“We have been given to understand that the Indoor Stadium at Campal, Panaji will be utilised for a few days from October 22 onwards for Election-related purposes. Indoor Stadium at Campal, Panaji will be utilised for a few days from October 22 onwards for Election related purposes. We have previously brought to your notice the troubles faced by the athletes in the past due to stadium closures and we humbly request you once again to consider some alternate premises for such election related activities,” said GBA Secretary Sandeep Heble in the letter.
He said that at the General Body Meeting of the Sports Authority of Goa which was held recently,Chief Minister had stressed that all the Associations must promote the “Fitness Ka Dose Aadha Ghanta Roz” Campaign of the Union Sports Ministry.
“While a nation-wide Fit India Movement has been launched and added importance is being given to the promotion of sports to boost immunity and fitness levels following the Covid 19 outbreak, it is very disappointing to see the sports stadiums here in Goa being time and again sought for election purposes,” the letter said.
The GBA secretary says that couple of years back, following pleas made by Associations and athletes, the then CM Late Shri Manohar Parrikar, had assured sportspersons that sports stadiums will henceforth not be utilised for election purposes and the Election Commission had been informed accordingly, but it is seen that these instructions are being ignored.
“After being shut down for few months due to the Covid 19 pandemic, it is only recently that athletes and other members have resumed their training. Most of the Associations have planned their State level tournaments from November to February, and many Federations have likewise announced their National calendars. Utilising the stadium for election related purposes will hamper the training and progress of the athlete. Moreover, it will be a huge setback to the progress achieved over last few months,” he said.
GBA says the Government has spent large amounts to create sports infrastructure in various areas across Goa, the purpose of which is to boost sports and mould our young generation to be physically fit and responsible adults. Since elections are still some months away, which gives the Office of the Election Commission sufficient time, some alternate premises can be considered for such election-related procedures.
“In view of the above, election Commission may be directed to utilise other venues which are lying vacant and Government is urged to take a Policy decision not to permit utilisation of sports facilities for elections in future,” he said.
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