Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: A delegation led by Mr. Gurudatta Bhakta, Secretary General of the Goa Olympic Association (GOA), along with representatives of various State Sports Associations (SSAs), met with Dr. Geeta Nagvenkar, Executive Director of the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), at the SAG office at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim today.
The meeting’s purpose was to bring to the SAG’s attention several pressing issues affecting the functioning and development of sports bodies and athletes in Goa. The delegation formally handed over a memorandum detailing their concerns and expectations, seeking immediate redressal and proactive collaboration from the Sports Authority of Goa.
Caetano Fernandes, President of the Goa Football Association (GFA), Jayesh Naik, Treasurer of GOA, Ms Farrell Furtado, Secretary, of Goa Hockey Association, Sachin Dukle, President, Goa State Tennis Association, Sudesh Thakur, President, Goa Gymnastics Association, Yogesh Thakur, President, Goa Fencing Association, and Nisha Madgavkar, Secretary of the Goa Triathlon Association, were among those who accompanied with few other Association representatives.
Key issues raised during the meeting included:
1. Release of Long-Pending Grants: Many State Associations have been struggling financially due to the non-receipt of grants for several years, severely affecting their ability to field teams at National Championships.
2. Provision of Rent-Free Facilities for Selection Trials: Associations emphasized the need for free access to SAG infrastructure when conducting selection trials for teams representing Goa, considering it a matter of state representation.
3. Appointment of Coaches: The absence of qualified coaches in several disciplines continues to hamper the growth of sports in Goa. The delegation urged SAG to expedite the recruitment of coaches to support SSAs.
4. Support for Ranking Tournaments: With National Federations organizing ranking events, the delegation requested that SAG consider covering such participation costs under the grant-in-aid schemes.
5. Revision of Grant Amounts: Given the steep rise in travel, accommodation, and food expenses, SSAs called for an immediate revision of grant amounts to reflect current costs.
6. Allocation of National Games Equipment: The delegation strongly recommended that equipment procured for the National Games be handed over to the respective State Associations for optimal use, preventing wastage and deterioration.
The GOA also acknowledged and appreciated recent positive steps initiated by SAG under Dr. Nagvenkar’s leadership, including surprise inspections, improved monitoring mechanisms, and the enforcement of codes of conduct, all of which signal a renewed commitment to transparency and professionalism in Goan sport.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with Dr. Nagvenkar assuring the delegation of SAG’s continued support in strengthening the sports ecosystem in Goa. Both parties expressed confidence in working collaboratively towards enhancing infrastructure, governance, and opportunities for Goan athletes across disciplines.
