The Goan sportspersons have reacted strongly to the Chief Electoral Officer’s decision to take over Campal Indoor Stadium for election purposes. The sportspersons feel that there were many premises which the Election commission could have utilized. Goemkarponn has a look at what the players and officials have to say about the closure of the only training facility in teh capital city.
“We are shocked to hear that Campal stadium is being taken over for election purposes, despite we apprising the Chairman of the issue during the recently held SAG General Body meeting. Sports will not come up this way if there is no continuity in training and there are such disruptions. The government needs to step in and create a model where Sports training is taken seriously, and sportspersons are groomed to win laurels at the highest level through uninterrupted hours of high-intensity training.”
– Vero Nunes, President,
Goa Table Tennis Association
“Through our channels, we approached various Government authorities, requesting them not to utilize the stadium for election-related work. The Sports Secretary, Ashok Kumar (IAS) has assured us they are looking into the issue and necessary steps are being taken to arrange for an alternate venue. We are hopeful the needful will be done, and sports stadiums will not be utilized for such purpose now or in the future.”
– Sandeep Heble,
Secretary, Goa Badminton Association
“Just as the kids were gearing up for upcoming tournaments, it’s disheartening for kids to learn that they will be out of Practice yet again, after months of hard work. It’s high time authorities understand that education and sports should go hand in hand for the overall development of youth. Also, many facilities exist with the government e.g. primary schools etc. which are not used and can be utilized for this purpose.”
Pooja Bidye,
State Ranked U17 badminton Player
——–
“This is disturbing that the Govt Uses its most Utilized Place for sports i.e Table Tennis and Badminton for election purposes whereas there are so many unused places Govt also owned Schools which are not opened due to covid can be used for such work. The season for Table Tennis and Badminton is going on, and players do not have a place for Practice.”
Sagar Kulkarni,
TT player and promoter
——–
“Using the stadium’s and sports facilities for the election, functions and activities is like abuse of the facilities. The authorities must try to find alternate facilities for the conduct of such events.”
Ashutosh Chari,
TT Coach
——–
“Sports stadiums are meant only for sports activities and should not be used for any purpose other than sports. Using it for exhibitions, elections, or any other activity destroys the stadiums, especially the wooden flooring, which is pretty expensive. Also, it interrupts the practice sessions of the players/members who play there every day and brings down their morale. We all must unite together and stand against such insensible acts.”
Amit Kakkar, Goa and India Masters Medallist (Badminton)
——–
“Really saddened on reading the news that Indoor Stadium will be used for election purpose, as this shows how the government isn’t considering the importance of sports. So many children and adults will miss out on their morning fitness, training and game if the stadium is closed. Other unused government premises can always be used, why stop children playing their sport. This is not acceptable; the government has to rethink.”
Vaishali Chauhan,
Parent of Panjim trainee
——–
“It’s important that the players practice regularly. If there is a big break, the progress we have made will be lost. We also have to stay fit. Schools are closed, so all we do is sit at home. Because of badminton, we get to go out and exercise.”
Saee Dalvi,
Badminton trainee
——–
“I am extremely sad that the indoor stadium of SAG is closed for using it as a godown; this inconveniences our budding sportsman/ women/ children and discourages them from taking an interest in sports activities. I hope the concerned authority will not repeat such disturbance in future. so that sports and games flourish, thereby bringing laurels to Goa.”
Priyanka Carcal,
Badminton trainee
——–
“I strongly object to using this indoor stadium for some other purpose, other than sports! With this, the basic purpose of developing sports is destroyed at the hands of few, who do not have any basic idea and importance of sports!”
Dr Satish Kudchadkar,
Goa and India Masters Gold medallist (Badminton)
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