Heble seeks ad-hoc panel, grants and temporary support system
PANAJI
Goan cyclists competing at the national level are facing serious administrative and logistical challenges due to prolonged legal disputes within the Goa Cycling Association, sports promoter and Goa Basketball Association vice-president Sandeep Heble has said in a letter to the state government and the Goa Olympic Association.
In his representation addressed to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar and senior officials of the Sports Authority of Goa, Heble highlighted the difficulties being faced by cyclists owing to an "administrative vacuum" caused by pending court cases in the association. He pointed out that Goan cyclists currently participating in the National Road Cycling Championships in Sambalpur, Odisha, have had to manage everything independently, from logistics to travel, including transporting their bicycles by flight without guidance or administrative assistance.
Heble also cited a specific case in which an Under-19 cyclist, Ashwel Fernandes, was unable to travel for his event on December 6 due to flight-related issues, terming it “an unfortunate consequence of the lack of institutional support and a missed opportunity for National participation and setback to his cycling career”.
Drawing parallels with the prolonged disruption faced by basketball in Goa due to legal disputes in the past, Heble said athletes often suffer because of delays in judicial processes despite having no role in administrative failures. He stressed the need for timely government intervention to safeguard the interests of sportspersons.
Among the key suggestions placed before the authorities were the formation of “an empowered, neutral ad-hoc body” to handle selection, coordination and participation-related formalities for cyclists until the legal issues are resolved; inclusion of sporting veterans, Sports Authority of Goa officials and Goa Olympic Association representatives in such a committee; and the release of participation grants to athletes representing the state at national events despite the non-functioning status of the association.
Heble also proposed the creation of “a structured support mechanism” to ensure that athletes do not suffer due to circumstances beyond their control, and called for the framing of a standard protocol for similar situations in future.
Appealing for urgent action, Heble said ensuring timely administrative and financial support to athletes is essential for the growth of sports in Goa and for protecting those who continue to represent the state at the national level despite existing hurdles.
