Gurudutta Bhakta, Secretary of the Goa Olympic Association.
MAPUSA
Goa’s poor performance in the National Games and national championships is the result of a combination of factors, including lack of government support, ineffective coaching and a declining interest among Goan students in competitive sports, according to Gurudutta Bhakta, Secretary of the Goa Olympic Association (GOA).
Bhakta pointed out that despite the presence of numerous coaches under the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), there has been little to no focused attention on specific disciplines and athletes. He emphasised the need for a structured approach, stating, “There are around 35 disciplines in the National Games. We should identify the sports where we excel and provide sustained training to our athletes based on their yearly accomplishments and progress.”
“Every discipline has an annual championship, which should be used as a barometer to measure an athlete’s growth, but unfortunately, this is not happening.”
Bhakta criticised the lack of proper coaching facilities, questioning the role of the SAG. “They claim to have 150 coaches, but there is no structured coaching taking place. Even in swimming, where Goa has potential, there are no coaches available. How can we expect athletes to perform at the highest level without adequate guidance and training?” he asked.
He further highlighted the financial struggles of sports associations in Goa, which operate on a voluntary basis without sufficient government funding. “Associations are merely facilitators who provide students with opportunities to participate in national championships. However, with no financial backing from the Goa government, promoting sports has become a challenge. If associations have to pay Rs 70,000 in hall rent alone, how can they sustain and promote sports in the State?” he questioned.
Bhakta also pointed to a concerning lack of dedication among Goan students, attributing it to various distractions and a lack of discipline. “In States like Maharashtra and Karnataka, athletes train with intensity. Here in Goa, that intensity is lacking by 50 per cent. Students take up sports merely to gain extra academic marks rather than to compete and bring laurels to the State. Instead of focusing on training, they seek political influence to secure a spot on the team for a certificate. The mindset should be about winning medals, not just participation,” he remarked.
Festivals and social events further impact training schedules, Bhakta noted. “During Ganesh Chaturthi, students abandon training for 15 days to a month. This lack of discipline is a serious issue,” he said.
Due to the lack of high-performing Goan athletes, Bhakta revealed that outstation players are often brought in to represent the State in national competitions. “In sports like karate, boxing and judo, which require rigorous physical training, our local athletes lag behind. We follow a proper selection process to bring in talented players from outside Goa. If a Goan athlete performs well, they earn their place. You cannot secure a spot by complaining – you have to train hard and prove your worth,” he asserted.
The GOA Secretary expressed concern over the shifting priorities of the SAG, which he believes is more focused on infrastructure development rather than nurturing athletes. “SAG was established to promote sportspersons, not just to construct buildings. The government must rethink its approach and ensure consistent, focused support for athletes,” Bhakta said.
With Goa’s performance in the National Games remaining dismal over the years, Bhakta stressed the urgent need to engage the student community in sports in a meaningful way. “We need a well-structured plan to encourage students to take up sports seriously. Without it, Goa will continue to struggle on the national stage,” he concluded.
