MARGAO
President of Goans Hockey, Abhay Bhamaikar, emphasized the association’s commitment to developing hockey in Goa through regular tournaments and structured planning. Speaking to The Goan Everyday after the final of the 11-a-side Young Hockey Youth Cup held at Peddem Ground, Mapusa, Bhamaikar said the goal is to nurture talent and improve Goa’s performance at the national level.
“The start has been outstanding, and we’re very optimistic about the future of hockey in the state,” Bhamaikar said. “Goa may currently rank lower on the national hockey chart, but with consistent development of players, coaching staff, and the sport’s ecosystem, we can significantly improve our standing.”
Bhamaikar revealed that the association has devised a long-term strategy, including organizing hockey tournaments every three months. “After this tournament, we will meet with the Goans Hockey team to explore further ways to support our players and organize events more efficiently. We also see scope to expand the number of participating teams,” he added.
Looking ahead, Goans Hockey plans to host competitions across various talukas, promoting the sport at the grassroots level. Bhamaikar also made a strong appeal to the government, private sector, and sponsors to support hockey development in the state.
“If the government provides sufficient infrastructure, there’s huge potential for growth. We need collective efforts”government bodies, corporate sponsors, and sports associations must come together. Only then can we truly build a strong future for hockey in Goa,” he concluded.
