Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a significant boost to the sporting community of Goa, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant on Monday distributed approximately ₹2.15 crore in financial assistance and cash awards to recognized sports associations and athletes across the state. The funds, released by the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), cover participation grants for Zonal, Federation Cup, National, and International Championships, as well as organizational support for hosting such events.
The felicitation ceremony was held at the Secretariat Conference Hall and witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Hon. MLA Shri Sankalp Amonkar, Secretary of Sports, Executive Director of SAG Dr. Geeta Nagvenkar, Goa Olympic Association Secretary Shri Gurudatta Bhakta, SAG executive members including Shri Jayesh Naik, along with presidents and secretaries of various sports bodies.
The event also honoured several distinguished athletes from Goa who have brought laurels to the state at national and international levels. Among them were Ms. Anura Prabhudesai, Dr. Nhehern Acharya, Mr. Yash Padloskar, Mr. Vaibhav Marathe, Ms. Pearl Kolvalkar, Ms. Sakshi Kale, Master Vidyat Lotlikar, and Master Umesh Dhavlikar, among others.
In his keynote address, CM Sawant lauded the commitment of the athletes and the tireless efforts of sports associations in promoting sports culture in Goa. He also assured that the remaining balance of the grants would be released shortly to the respective associations.
A highlight of the ceremony was the felicitation of Dr. Nhehern Acharya, a yoga sports icon and founder of Kairos Physio, who was presented with a special cash award by the Chief Minister. Dr. Acharya, a National and International Gold Medallist in Yoga Sports, has won gold at ten consecutive National Championships and secured top honors at international events held in Argentina, Uruguay, Russia, Italy, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Thailand.
Dr. Acharya’s extraordinary track record includes 28 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze medals at prestigious national and international competitions over the past decade. Notably, he clinched four gold medals across all events at the 2018 World Championship in Argentina.
His consistent excellence has earned him accolades from numerous dignitaries and institutions, including former Chief Ministers Shri Digambar Kamat and Shri Manohar Parrikar, former Ministers of Sports Shri Manohar Azgaonkar, Shri Ramesh Tawadkar, Shri Govind Gaude, ex-Finance Minister Shri Dayanand Narvekar, former Union Minister Shri Eduardo Faleiro, and Shri Ajay Maken, along with recognitions from the Yoga Federation of India, International Yoga Federation, and several educational institutions.
The event reflected the state government’s continued commitment to uplifting the sporting ecosystem in Goa and recognizing the hard work and achievements of its athletes on both national and global platforms.
