PANAJI
The Goa Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) on Thursday, clarified the allegations made against the Association regarding the selection of boxers for the recently held 37th National Games.
The allegations were that the number of non-Goan boxers was more than Goan boxers, violating the 70:30 per cent ratio in favour of Goan sportspersons. The state government of Goa had earlier approved sports associations to allow out station players and strengthen the teams, with the aim of improving the performance and medal tally of the host state.
In a press release, the boxing governing body stated, "GABA strongly denies any wrongdoing or bias in the selection process. GABA followed a transparent and fair procedure, taking into account various factors such as weight category, medical fitness, previous experience, regularity, punctuality, dominance, aggressiveness, number of on target punches, footwork, body movement, and post bout complications."
The Association also stated that the selection process was conducted by a panel of selectors and observers, who recorded and evaluated each boxer after each round of sparring.
"The four SAG Boxing coaches, Santosh Birmole, Nilesh Khanolkar, Velanky Dhumaskar and Chitambaram Naik, who had trained the boxers, also played an important role in selecting the team for the National Games. They played a crucial role in deciding the team and which boxer should be given a chance to participate in the National Games based on performance and ability to win a medal," stated the boxing body where regular performance evaluation was conducted through the camp wherein they also called upon SAG and Goa Olympic Association through email to attend the selection trails and to witness the performance of boxers in the state.
Danuska Da Gama, GABA treasurer defended the selection process of the boxers for the National Games and said that only deserving Goan boxers were given a chance. “We have been fair and transparent in selecting the best boxers for Goa. Those who are making false allegations are just unhappy with their own performance. We have always supported and encouraged Goan talent, but we also have to maintain high standards for the National Games.”
The boxers who represented Goa in the 37th National Games won 3 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze in across the various categories in the discipline.
