PANAJI: Talent, encouragement, and opportunity “ as a budding goalkeeper at the age of 15, Brahmanand Shankhwalkar was lucky to have all these three aspects in his favour. And that’s what he stresses even today.
“Parents must encourage their children in sports, especially those with potential so that they get the much-needed exposure to pursue their dreams,” he says.
With the 37th National Games being held in Goa, Shankhwalkar considers the marquee event a platform for athletes to compete in global sporting events.
“Parents must sow the seeds for their children’s success. Those who have the potential should be promoted early in life so that they can achieve their dreams. Competing in the National Games is important for athletes. It is a platform for events such as the Asian Games, Olympics, world championships and other international events. Every child aspires to compete in such events. We should ensure young athletes work hard in sports. Besides education, there should be no other distractions. It must be ensured that the child gets the best of facilities from the government and the private sector,” said Shankhwalkar who is the recipient of the Arjuna Award in 1998, Padma Shri in 2022, and the Player of the Decade award by All India Football Federation.
