GBA wants Khelo India at Peddem instead of Campal

Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: The Goa Badminton Association has written to the Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and Sports Minister Govind Gaude to consider earmarking Multipurpose stadium at Peddem as Khelo India Centre
“As important stakeholders of badminton, we have given various suggestions to the Government previously on the Khelo India centre of excellence which is planned at Campal. A number of meetings were held, where we proposed that Peddem is a better option. There are running and walking tracks, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, and a huge International quality stadium which lies unused. At this location, ample space is there besides large halls to conduct related activities such as physical fitness sessions, motivation workshops, film screenings, workout zones, SAI Hostel, etc, which are some of the prerequisites for a Centre of Excellence,” said GBA secretary Sandeep Heble in the letter.
He further says that the facilities at Campal on the other hand cater to large sections of the public, members, young budding trainees, students and State badminton players who have been utilising these facilities for their fitness as well as training to compete at National as well as International levels and look at badminton as their future.
“Besides, there is also SAG’s own RCC scheme running for decades and Association’s training activities/coaching camps / Tournaments and Calendar of activities happening at Campal, which will take a backseat now. So the schedule of all these players/stakeholders will get second priority on account of the Khelo India programme, whereas both initiatives must thrive and prosper,” he said.
GBA further says representation has been given by us previously to the Government and Goa Olympic Association on the said issue. At the last SAG General Body meeting too, this has been raised by us.
“We welcome the Khelo India programme, which is a good initiative but needs some modifications to suit local needs and necessities. Goa Badminton Association, led by its President, Mr Narahar Thakur, has met some of the authorities and apprised them of the difficulties that will arise on account of such a decision. Our current Sports minister is showing an increased interest in the development of Sports which is a good sign, and we do hope suggestions given by us are considered,” GBA says.
The facilities at Campal have been earmarked for public and badminton trainees/players since last several decades, and there are no alternate premises in the near vicinity, GBA states.
“It was informed to us that the Campal centre was selected by some SAI / Khelo India representatives, but this might have been done without them being made aware of the local sporting ecosystem,” it says.
Also, the GBA secretary added, Other State Associations such as Table Tennis and Swimming have also earlier shown preference f or Peddem. With the hockey centre also located at Peddem, shifting the centre of excellence over there will be an ideal solution, given the enormous facilities (and a secure environment) that are available at Peddem vis-a-vis the ones at Campal.
“The concerns and grievances raised by Goa Badminton Association, State and other players, members, parents, and other important stakeholders are legitimate. Government must listen to these voices sympathetically and take a judicious decision,” it says.