At the end of the 30th Federation Cup, the Goa Basketball Association might have proved its organizational skills as hosts of the National Basketball Championships. However, on team front, both men's and women's teams came up a cropper as they were found wanting in most departments when pitted against quality opponents.Basil Sylvester Pinto spoke exclusively with Fr Ralin De Souza, President, Goa Basketball Association (GBA) to reflect upon the event and the road map ahead. Excerpts:
Q: How would you review the experience of being the host for Federation Cup?
RD: At the GBA level, as an organizer, it went off very well. The players as well as the officials were very happy with the arrangements. The officials were contented to the fact that the offices were in full view of the game in progress. Unlike elsewhere in the country where they are hardly aware of what is happening on court as their offices for the tourneys used to be somewhere afar. We had people from across the country calling from places like Mumbai, Bengaluru telling us they were quite involved watching the games on DD Sports which were broadcast on the last two days. Besides making a mark in Goa with the organization of the event, GBA is proud that it has made an impact on the national level as well.
Q: How would you explain the debacle the Goan teams suffered in the event?RD: Compared to other Nationals that they have played in, they have done a good job. Previously, most of the main players from either team never got a chance to play at the level and go outside the State owing to their professional commitments. As such, we ended up taking teams which were not the best and now that since the tourney was held in Goa, they got a chance. Earlier, the Nationals, used to be held around Christmas time, with many of the players preferring to stay back with their families in Goa.
Q: What inferences did the talent scouts draw about the Goan pool in action?
RD: Well, they were aware that Goa was still at its nascent stage in basketball. But the Technical
Committee and Selection Committee members that were down for the mega tourney were impressed
with some of the players from the men’s team. They felt that they were quite good, but needed to
develop further with a lot of training as they were way below the mark comparatively to the other
teams of the country.
Q: What has been the support from the BFI towards improving the basketball scene in Goa?
RD: BFI President, K Govindraj has revealed to us that they are trying to start Regional Centres where Arjuna Awardees will give upcoming basketballers the necessary guidance and as such they were invited to grace this particular tourney and to absorb them further in the activities of the BFI so that they become part of the Federation. We have requested with the BFI to help us with coaching and give an opportunity to some of our players to get into training at their nearest Regional Training Centre and we have been given the assurance.
Q: As GBA President, what are your immediate plans?
RD: We are focusing on the grass-roots level teams, the U-14, U-17, U-19 boys’ and girls’ teams. Our U-17 boys’ and girls’ teams are doing well and are in the ‘A’ Group, while the U-14, U-17 teams are still in the lower pool and we look at taking them to the higher pool as well. Besides this, at GBA, we are going to set up training centres come April, one in North Goa at DBO, Panjim, and one in the South, mostly at Fatima Convent High School, Margao (still in talks). While this may start of as a promotional activity, we are also to have an Academy at both the centres with a full-fledged three-month course. With a nominal fee of Rs. 1000 a month, thrice a week, the hoopster talents will be provided with a full kit, few other accessories which would help them in training.
