Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar along with Sports Minister Govind Gaude while inspecting the Tilak Maidan stadium at Vasco.
VASCO
Admitting that the Tilak Maidan could not be thrown open to the public due to extensive maintenance work, Sports Minister Govind Gaude on Tuesday said the gym at the Tilak Maidan would be fully air-conditioned and provided with new equipment for the people.
Gaude was speaking to reporters after a joint inspection along with Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar and others after Salkar made a request to allot the Tilak Maidan ground for Vascokars and school students.
"We are taking all steps to make the ground amongst the best in Goa and this involves huge maintenance costs involved. Salkar and the public had made a demand to open this ground for public but as far as my knowledge is concerned, this is an international level ground and if we allow anyone to enter the ground, the infrastructure could be damaged,” said Gaude.
“We have to check how much maintenance costs could be incurred and if our groundsmen and security can monitor the people.”
"We can, however, check if we can allow schools or professional sporting clubs and see if we can get an undertaking of responsibility because we have National Games, Khelo India Khelo and other tournaments at the ground. Referees and officials inspect the ground before tournaments and there must be no issues, which is why we are taking extra care.”
“While we keep Tilak Maidan for professional purposes, I will give directions to my department to open up the Bhute Bhat ground, Sada ground and other grounds for public use," said Gaude.
The minister said the government gym would be fully air-conditioned as per the request of the people.
"I have directed the engineer to have rubber flooring, replace old equipment and accessories, add more mirrors within a time frame of six months. The fees will be enhanced as well from Rs 400 to Rs 600 to recover maintenance and costs," said Gaude.
Salkar said he had requested Gaude to look into the facilities of the gym and open the Tilak Maidan ground for the people.
