The government has ordered the Sports Authority of Goa to hand over the Indoor stadium at Campal to the Election Commission of India from October 22.
Photo Credits: The Goan
PANAJI
Goa Badminton Association (GBA) has appealed to the State government to reconsider its decision to hand over the Indoor stadium at Campal to the Election Commission of India (ECI) for use of election-related purposes from October 22.
GBA secretary Sandeep Heble has shot a letter to the Chief Minister and the Sports Minister pleading that keeping in mind the interests of the athletes and sports associations using the facility, the decision be reversed and an alternate government facility be allotted for the testing of electronic voting machines. He said the unavailability of the stadium will disrupt the training and the plans of the athletes and the associations/federations. Heble also suggested that a policy decision should be taken to bar the use of the stadia for election-related or other non-sports purposes.
“We have been given to understand that the Indoor Stadium at Campal, Panaji will be utilised for a few days from October 22 onwards for Election-related purposes. We have previously brought to your notice the troubles faced by the athletes in the past due to stadium closures and we humbly request you once again to consider some alternate premises for such election-related activities,” Heble wrote in the letter.
“After being shut down for few months due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is only recently that athletes and other members have resumed their training. Most of the Associations have planned their State level tournaments from November to February, and many Federations have likewise announced their National calendars. Utilising the stadium for election-related purposes will hamper the training and progress of the athlete. Moreover, it will be a huge setback to the progress achieved over last few months,” the letter read.
In his letter to CM Sawant, Heble pointed out that former chief minister Manohar Parrikar, after repeated pleas, had assured the sports fraternity that sports stadia would not be used for election-related work in the State.
“Couple of years back, following pleas made by Associations and athletes, the then Hon. Chief Minister of Goa, Late Shri Manohar Parrikar, had assured sportspersons that sports stadiums will henceforth not be utilised for election purposes and the Election Commission had been informed accordingly, but it is seen that these instructions are being ignored.
The GBA secretary suggested that there is enough time on hand for the government to pick an alternate venue to provide to the ECI.
“Government has spent large amounts to create sports infrastructure in various areas across Goa, purpose of which is to boost sports, and mould our young generation to be physically fit and responsible adults. Since elections are still some months away which gives the Office of the Election Commission sufficient time, some alternate premises can be considered for such election-related procedures.
“In view of the above, the Election Commission may be directed to utilise other venues which are lying vacant and Government is urged to take a Policy decision not to permit utilisation of sports facilities for elections in future,” the letter concluded.
