Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: The Government of Goa, in line with its commitment to promoting excellence and fostering a competitive spirit in sports, has permitted out-of-state players to enroll at the Khelo India Centre of Excellence in Campal.
This move has sparked discussions and inquiries from concerned stakeholders, particularly parents of local players, regarding the participation of these players in state ranking tournaments and their eligibility for Nationals.
In response to these queries, the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) has provided comprehensive clarity on the matter. According to a recent communication from Dr. Geeta Nagvenkar, the Executive Director of SAG, out-of-state players enrolled at the Khelo India Centre of Excellence are eligible to participate in State Ranking tournaments and represent Goa at the National level if selected.
“It is understood that there are queries regarding this issue, and would like to elucidate the rationale behind allowing these players to participate in accordance with the competition guidelines, rules, and regulations set forth by the Federation and the outcome of the meeting held on February 23rd, 2023, along with your Association members. As you are aware, the Khelo India Centre of Excellence at Campal has enrolled nine out-of-state players for the current year, who have demonstrated the requisite talent and potential in the sport and have fulfilled the qualification criteria,” wrote the SAG Executive Director, Dr. Geeta Nagvenkar, in her letter addressed to the President and Secretary of the Goa Badminton Association.
“Furthermore, as per transfer rules stipulated by the National Federation (Badminton Association of India) have been meticulously followed for these out-of-state players. Consequently, they are no longer registered players of their respective states but have now become registered players of Goa, having shifted their education to Goa and being residents of Goa.
The transfers have been officially recorded in the records of the National Federation, thereby confirming their eligibility to participate in Goa State tournaments and represent the State of Goa,” the SAG Executive Director further stated.
“The thrust of the Government’s policy, besides promoting a competitive environment to the locals is also to encourage the exchange of skills and experiences that can help elevate the overall standard of badminton in the state. Moreover, it provides an excellent opportunity for local players to challenge themselves against competitors from different regions, further honing and tuning their skills.
The current policy has been endorsed by the Government and aims to strike a balance between nurturing local talents and attracting skilled players from other regions, ultimately benefiting the sport of badminton in Goa by aiming to bring State players on par with National and International standards, which is the primary objective of the Khelo India Centre of Excellence. This letter is issued with the approval of the Government” the letter further stated.
The Goa Badminton Association (GBA) Secretary acknowledged the concerns expressed by some parents and players.
“Representations were received from some parents, following which we wrote to the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), which provided clarity on the matter. While we appreciate the concern for local players, some competition and in the right proportion will create an environment where local players will be inspired to push their boundaries and strive for excellence, benefiting them at the National level. Our top players such as Tanisha Crasto, Anura Prabhu Desai, Anushka Kuvelkar, Lydia Barreto, and Arjun Fallary thrived when they played against strong opponents in outstation academies.
This is a universal concept, and the Government has given similar reasoning behind including out-of-state players. The added pool of talent can elevate the overall level of play and lead to Goa producing even more exceptional badminton players in the long run. The Goa Badminton Association (GBA) is committed to striking a proper balance and ensuring that a large proportion of local talents will get to represent Goa at the Zonals and Nationals,” emphasized the GBA Secretary, Sandeep Heble.