NCP State President Jose Philip D'Souza during a Futsal tournament in Dabolim.
VASCO
Claiming that youth did not have access to playgrounds in Mormugao, NCP State President Jose Philip D'Souza on Saturday said there was no proper infrastructure to promote sports in the taluka.
Addressing a gathering at a Futsal tournament in Dabolim constituency, D’Souza also pointed out to the dilapidated condition of the Tilak Maidan and SAG grounds at Chicalim and Bhutebhat-Vasco.
"It was the government’s responsibility to encourage sports activities and keep the youth fit, but this has not happened. The Tilak Maidan is locked, while the Chicalim ground with an indoor stadium is in bad state and there can be no sports activities there,” D'Souza said.
“The ground at Bhutebhat is in dilapidated condition, while the ground in Kharewaddo has been locked. The MPT ground which also used to stage tournaments is now not available. Where should the youth go for sports activities?” he questioned.
D’Souza appreciated the efforts of Jack Colaco who had taken the initiative to set up a turf for Futsal tournaments.
"Today, private players are taking the initiative while the government is only talking of having playgrounds in every village to promote sports. The government cannot even maintain playgrounds presently available,” added D’Souza.
A total of 24 teams had participated in the 5-a-side futsal tournament organised by United Boys of Dabolim at Rosa Arena Futsal Turf in memory of late Pascoal D’Souza, former councillor and brother of Jose Philip D’Souza.
