Team Goemkarponn
PORVORIM: Goa could witness its first-ever State Games later this year, while the proposal to establish Sports Schools at multiple locations across the State also emerged as a key focus during a meeting between the Goa Olympic Association (GOA) Executive Council and Sports Minister Dr Ramesh Tawadkar at the Secretariat in Porvorim.
The GOA delegation, led by President Sadanand Shet Tanavade, discussed a broader roadmap for strengthening Goa’s sporting ecosystem, with the State Games and Sports Schools emerging as two major initiatives aimed at developing competitive opportunities and creating a stronger grassroots pathway for young athletes.
GOA Secretary General Sandeep Heble said the proposed State Games could be structured along the lines of the National Games, with Goa’s top State teams or clubs competing across various sporting disciplines.
“The structure could be envisaged on the lines of the National Games, with Goa’s top State teams or clubs competing across disciplines. The details are yet to be worked out, but if all goes to plan, this could be a good start,” Heble said.
He added that Tanavade has made the State Games part of his plans with the objective of creating a platform where the best players, teams and clubs in Goa can compete against each other.
The meeting also discussed Sports Minister Tawadkar’s vision of developing three to four Sports Schools at different locations across Goa. According to the minister, such institutions could provide a structured environment for identifying, nurturing and developing sporting talent from a young age.
Tanavade highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of grooming talent in Olympic sports and pointed to the considerable sporting potential available in Goa’s villages and schools. He also stressed the important role of physical education teachers in identifying youngsters with sporting abilities.
Improving the systems supporting athletes and coaches was another key area discussed during the meeting. GOA Joint Secretary Manoj Patil suggested refresher courses for coaches of the Sports Authority of Goa and better utilisation of their expertise through coordinated efforts with various sports associations.
GOA Vice-President Caitano Fernandes emphasised the need for a professional administrative set-up to further strengthen the State’s sporting ecosystem.
“We are making attempts to streamline our coaching section and I have personally interacted with all our coaches,” Tawadkar said.
GOA Treasurer Jayesh Naik briefed the minister on plans for the proposed Olympic Bhavan and GOA office. The meeting also discussed the need to incorporate artificial intelligence and modern technology to improve existing systems and administration.
GOA Vice-Presidents Sudesh Thakur, Sandhya Paliekar and Bhageshri Padloskar, along with Executive Council members Abhay Bhamaikar and Viplava Bhakta, were also part of the delegation.
The meeting concluded with discussions on a broader sporting roadmap combining competitive opportunities, grassroots talent identification, coaching development, infrastructure and professional sports administration in Goa.
