Goan Hockey office bearers meet Sports Minister Govind Gaude to discuss proposed hockey ground in South Goa.
MARGAO
In a significant boost for hockey development in South Goa, Goan Hockey President Abhay Bhamaikar announced that Goa Sports Minister Govind Gaude has responded positively to the association’s request to allot 10 acres of land for the construction of a dedicated hockey ground. The planned facility will include a full-sized playing field, a dressing room, and a spectator stand.
The announcement came following a high-level meeting chaired by the Sports Minister, which was attended by key officials including Geeta Nagvenkar, Executive Director of the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), Arvind Khuttkar, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Farrel Furtado, Secretary of Goan Hockey, and Nelly Rodriguez, along with other office bearers of Goan Hockey.
“We submitted a detailed representation outlining our vision and the urgency to expand hockey into South Goa. The Minister was receptive and assured us of his full support,” said Bhamaikar.
Currently, Goan Hockey faces significant logistical hurdles, as matches are largely restricted to the Peddem Ground in Mapusa. The lack of infrastructure in the southern part of the state has long been a barrier to the sport's growth and accessibility.
“With no ground in South Goa, we’re often forced to conduct all our matches up north, which affects planning and player development. We requested the Minister to act on a war footing,” Bhamaikar added.
Minister Gaude not only appreciated the efforts of the Goan Hockey senior team but also assured the association that the government is committed to supporting the construction of the new facility. He also encouraged Goan Hockey to engage with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) units to mobilize additional resources for the project.
A request was also made to lease the land to Goan Hockey, ensuring long-term stewardship and maintenance of the new ground.
With the project now gaining momentum, the Goan Hockey Association is optimistic that South Goa will soon see a dedicated facility that could serve as a hub for grassroots development, training, and state-level competitions.
