PANAJI
The Cycling Association of Goa (CAG) has rescheduled its long-awaited elections for the 2026–2030 Executive Committee to August 9, after it was found that the mandatory notice period under the association's constitution had not been complied with.
The elections, originally scheduled for July 19, were postponed following objections that the required 14-day notice period had not been observed. In a circular issued by General Secretary N.G. Akhargekar, the association informed members that the decision was taken at an Executive Committee meeting held at Dr. Ambedkar English High School, Kucchlim.
The Extraordinary General Body Meeting (EGBM) and election process will now take place on August 9 under the supervision of Returning Officer Adv. S.Y. Thali. Elections will be held for the posts of President, Chairman, Vice-President, General Secretary, Treasurer, Joint Secretaries and Executive Committee Members.
The election carries added significance as it follows nearly two years of legal and administrative turmoil that stalled the functioning of the association.
The dispute centred on the induction and voting rights of a large number of affiliated members, leading to complaints before the Registrar of Societies and subsequent litigation before the Bombay High Court at Goa.
Court records show that the Cycling Association of Goa, through its office-bearers, had filed a writ petition challenging actions taken by the Inspector General of Societies/District Registrar, with numerous respondents named in the matter, highlighting the scale of the membership dispute.
In a significant development earlier this year, the Bombay High Court dismissed the association's challenge to the induction of 66 members, effectively allowing them to remain part of the association. The ruling removed one of the principal hurdles preventing the conduct of fresh elections and the formation of a new governing body.
With the legal issues largely resolved and the final electoral roll reportedly circulated along with the election notice, the August 9 polls are expected to mark a fresh beginning for the administration of cycling in Goa.
The newly elected Executive Committee, which will hold office until 2030, is expected to prioritise athlete development, grassroots programmes, the organisation of state championships and stronger representation for Goa at national events under the Cycling Federation of India.
