The recent IRONMAN event held in Panaji and Dona Paula may have drawn international athletes and media attention, but for many Goans, it was a day of disruption and distress. The scenic roads chosen for the race are not just tourist attractions ” they are daily lifelines for residents, workers, and emergency services. On Sunday, these roads were blocked, and the alternative routes were poorly planned and dangerously narrow. Ambulances struggled to navigate congested lanes, unable to reach their destinations swiftly. It was a stark reminder that our infrastructure is not equipped to host such events without compromising public safety. This disruption affected countless residents who rely on these roads for essential routines. Many were unable to carry out basic tasks or move freely within their own neighbourhoods. What’s most troubling is that such events seem to cater to the privileged few, while the poor and working-class residents bear the burden. The IRONMAN may be a celebration of endurance, but for many locals, it felt like a race where the rich could run freely while others were left waiting. Let us not trade dignity for spectacle.
