the goan I network
MAPUSA
Questioning his government’s focus to spruce up sports infra in State, Ports Minister, Michael Lobo on Saturday wondered whether the new stadiums that were coming up would be of any help to produce talented sportsmen in the State.
He also stressed on need to groom village-level youngsters in sports to make a mark at the national and international level.
“Are we going to produce good sports boys and girls in Goa? Or are we going to build stadiums and give them on rent? Are we building stadiums for dance or exhibitions? This is a big question mark,” Lobo said.
The Ports Minister was speaking at the felicitation of Parra-based bodybuilder, Nandesh Raikar, who has been selected to represent Goa at the national level.
Continuing, Lobo said Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee stadium was an excellent stadium but it was used less for sports and more for exhibitions.
“Are these exhibition grounds or sports grounds? The sports director, Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) director, department heads and the government should put their heads together on this issue,” he said.
“These stadiums should be used properly and I will talk to the Sports Minister and the CM on this,” he added.
Incidentally, the BJP has organised a number of political meetings at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee stadium.
Recently, the same stadium was used to celebrate the wedding reception of the sports minister’s son.
The Ports Minister said although stress has been laid to build taluka-level infra in the State, the government was falling short when it came to groom
players.
“We need to groom talent at village level. For that, the sports department, SAG, Directorate of Sports and village panchayats along with local sports clubs should come together and identify such talent and take it forward,” he said.
Lauding the efforts of local led Nandesh Raikar to win laurels in bodybuilding, Lobo said the achievement was a matter of “pride” and “honour” for Parra village.
Parra Sarpanch Delilah Lobo was also present at the function.
