The Goan: With thegames less than a year away, why is the state still working on selecting teams,when it should have been done much earlier?
Gurudatta Bhakta: Well a change in the government is nowresulting in action. Earlier we had meetings but no results. Had a budget, butit was not released. The new government took four months to start moving withregards to the games. We have a sports department that is involved both ininfrastructure development and coaching camps. If we have to have a long termstrategy we need a separate department that will only focus on looking for newtalent.
Today we have ‘excellence’ camps which mean nothing. Theyare a waste of time. There is no evaluation or tracking of talent. With theexception of football and cricket association, none of the other associationshave to depend on Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), which creates its own set ofproblems. Despite that, the SAG and the associations are currently working onimproving the fitness of the athletes. We have called the parents of theathletes who have been shortlisted, and advised them on the importance of acorrect diet. We are providing each athlete Rs. 150 daily to help them maintainand improve their fitness.
TG: What is your takeon former Goa Football Association President Albert Colaco’s statement that the football team for the games shouldonly comprise of players from the state?
GB: Well, it is hisopinion and he is entitled to one. At the request of the associations wediscussed the issue at the General body meeting of the Goa Olympic Associationand unanimously decided that we would include national players in theteam.
TG: What is the deadline for selecting the teams?
GB: 30 days before the event starts, so we have a month toconcentrate. It will be a residential camp following which the athletes will godirectly for accreditation.
TG: who decides the selection of the various teams?
GB: It is the responsibility of the sports association, SAG,Goa Olympic association with a federation observer present to ensure thatfairness in guaranteed in the selection process.
TG: With all the newfacilities coming up how do you intend to use them once the games are over?
GB: We have absolutely no plan in place. No roadmap.Nothing. There is no co-ordination between the government and the variousdepartments. Sadly the culture is one of adjusting everyone instead of workingout a concrete plan.
TG: How many medals can we expect to win during the games?
GB: We expect to winin football, volleyball and taekwondo. With regards to the others (disciplines)I could come to a conclusion only after watching them during the training camp,after a couple of months.
