Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO: Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar on Tuesday afternoon described the upcoming Formula 4 circuit race as a prestigious international sporting event that will place Mormugao on the world map. Speaking to the media at the site of ongoing preparations in Sada, Amonkar appealed to citizens not to fall prey to misinformation being spread by a few individuals and urged everyone to meet Chief Minister Pramod Sawant at Ravindra Bhavan on Saturday to clarify their doubts.
“The Formula 4 event will be held for three days — on October 31, November 1 and 2. There are some people creating confusion and fear in the minds of the public. It is natural to have apprehensions since this is happening for the first time, but I want to assure everyone that this is a prestigious and international racing event that will put Mormugao on the global map,” Amonkar said.
He added that many other states across India had expressed interest in hosting the Formula 4 race, but Mormugao was ultimately selected. “This is our good fortune. This is not like an EDM festival; it’s a motorsport event expected to attract around 15,000 visitors from across the world. We should not oppose such a major event without proper understanding,” he remarked.
The MLA clarified that rumours about compound walls of temples, schools, crematoriums and burial grounds being demolished for the race were completely baseless. “I have spoken to the Chief Minister about these concerns, and he has assured me that people will not be inconvenienced in any way. No structures are being touched,” he said.
Amonkar further noted that the event would significantly benefit the local economy. “Formula 4 will boost the name of Mormugao not just in sports but also in the tourism sector. Such races are held internationally and have so far taken place in only two locations in India. Initially, three sites in Goa were shortlisted — including Miramar — but Sada was chosen for its ideal setting,” he explained.
He appealed to residents to take advantage of the opportunity to interact directly with the Chief Minister. “The CM will personally come to Ravindra Bhavan, Baina, on Saturday evening. I urge everyone, regardless of political affiliation, to meet him, seek clarifications and clear any doubts,” Amonkar said.
Addressing concerns about disruptions, the MLA said that the race would cause only temporary inconvenience. “The youth are excited about this event as racing teams from around the world will be here. The race will be held only for three hours each day over three days. The track will cover a 3-km circuit passing through Bogda, Bharat Lane and ITI areas. People might face some parking restrictions during that period, but no roads will be permanently blocked,” he stated.
Amonkar said he had already requested the Public Works Department Minister to explore creating a new service road for residents during the event. “I will not allow people to face unnecessary hardship, and we are working on solutions to ensure smooth traffic management,” he added.
Highlighting the long-term benefits, Amonkar said the government had signed a three-year contract to host the Formula 4 race in Goa. “This is not just about the event — it’s about the infrastructure and business it brings. Hotels, taxi operators, and small businesses will get a major boost as participants and supporters arrive from across the country and abroad. The facilities developed for the race will remain with us even after the event, improving our infrastructure permanently,” he said.
Assuring that he would always stand by the people, Amonkar said, “If, after the first edition, we find that the event causes serious inconvenience, I will not support it for the next two years. But we should not oppose something that’s happening for the first time in the history of Sada and Mormugao. Instead, we should embrace it and make the most of this opportunity.”
He concluded by urging residents to unite behind the event and view it as a chance to showcase Mormugao’s potential on an international platform. “Let us not miss this opportunity to make Mormugao shine on the global stage,” Amonkar said.
