Sports Minister assures revamp of grassroots programme through GFDC
Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar speaks in the Assembly.
PANAJI
The Goa Legislative Assembly on Friday turned its attention to the declining fortunes of football in the State, with legislators pressing for urgent measures to restore the sport’s lost glory.
Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco moved a private member’s resolution recommending that the government devise a time‑bound revival roadmap coupled with a dynamic policy focused on grassroots infrastructure, youth development, and a sustainable professional league.
“This House recommends to the Government that a time-bound revival road map coupled with a new dynamic policy focused on grassroots infrastructure, youth development and a sustainable professional league be formulated/devised to enhance Goa’s State Sport football,” the resolution stated.
Several members supported Lourenco’s motion, lamenting the neglect of the Goa Football Development Council (GFDC). Legislators pointed out that since its inception in 2012, the council had never appointed a technical director, a lapse they said reflected the government’s indifference to football’s future.
Responding to the debate, Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar acknowledged the concerns and assured the House that the GFDC would undergo a revamp. He noted that the council now has a new chairman in former MLA Glenn Souza Ticlo, himself a footballer, and expressed confidence that under his stewardship the necessary amends would be made.
Tawadkar said the government was committed to strengthening grassroots structures and ensuring that football once again thrives in Goa.
Following Tawadkar’s commitment to revamp the GFDC and chart a revival plan, Lourenco agreed to withdraw his resolution even as the debate underscored the urgency of revitalising football in Goa, a State once regarded as a powerhouse of the game.
