MAPUSA
Sports Minister Govind Gaude has assured that sports stadiums in the State will be opened to the public and athletes at specific times, under certain conditions and restrictions.
This decision aims to ensure that the sports infrastructure benefits the people of Goa while maintaining proper upkeep.
Gaude emphasised the necessity for local bodies or clubs to take responsibility for the maintenance of these facilities. “The entire sports infrastructure created in the State is meant for the people of Goa. We are ready to keep the sports stadiums in the State open to the public from 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm, provided someone takes responsibility,” Gaude stated.
To regulate the usage, Gaude mentioned that ID cards would be mandatory for entry. Additionally, any tournaments to be held in the stadiums would require a written request to the department at least one week in advance.
This response came after Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar inquired about allowing local youth to use Tilak Maidan for sports activities. Gaude expressed the government's hesitation due to past misuse and poor maintenance, including instances where liquor bottles and beer cans were found littered around the stadium.
“If such things happen, then we have no alternative but to shut down the stadiums,” Gaude warned. He noted that in places like Benaulim and Utorda, local panchayats and clubs had taken responsibility for maintaining the grounds, setting a positive example.
Salkar argued that Tilak Maidan was underutilised and highlighted the need for local talent to have access to such infrastructure. He pointed out that many schools lack outdoor grounds, resulting in insufficient physical activity for students.
“The stadium should not become a white elephant. It has to be used. Will our Goan children get to use the ground?” Salkar questioned.
Gaude clarified that Tilak Maidan is an exclusive football stadium and stressed the importance of proper maintenance due to the international-level infrastructure installed. He suggested that if the MLA was willing to take responsibility, a scheme could be developed to open the stadium to the public.
Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral and Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar also participated in the discussion, supporting the initiative to make better use of the state's sports infrastructure.
