Being the first-ever Goan to have been elected Vice-President of the All India Football Federation, Vilas Rao Sardessai displayed his organisational capabilities during the Jawaharlal Nehru Cup held in Goa in 1989
The Goan Network
Margao
The Goa Football Association (GFA) on behalf of the football fraternity of clubs, players and officials, expressed their heartfelt sympathies and condoled the death of Vilas Rao Sardessai.
The GFA will always remain indebted to Vilas Rao Sardessai for his contribution to the development of Goan football. Sardessai served in the GFA in various capacities.
Being the first-ever Goan to have been elected Vice-President of the All India Football Federation, Sardessai displayed his organisational capabilities during the Jawaharlal Nehru Cup held in Goa in 1989.
It was because of his efforts that Goans had the privilege of watching the Vasa Izo team from Hungary in action in an exhibition match against Goa XI in Panaji. Sardessai had been the manager of the Indian football team, and was one of the chief architects of the National Football League. He was honoured with the Jivabadada Kerkar Award in 1992 for his contribution to the organisation of football.
The GFA President Elvis Gomes said:“Vilas Rao Sardessai’s love for the game is epitomized in the dedication and commitment he chose to devote to the cause of Dempo Sports Club, Goa Football Association and the All India Football Federation. The Goa Football Association has benefited immensely from the efforts and experience of Vilas Rao Sardessai, and will always remember him as an accomplished professional, who administered the matters of the game with decisiveness, integrity and great sense of proficiency. Sardessai’s contribution in making the GFA one of the most active sports associations in the country cannot be forgotten."
Sardessai will be remembered for his passion for football and the youth and his contributions as an eminent publisher, administrator, organiser and manager.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of GFDC Dr Rufino Monteiro condoled the passing away of Sardessai."During the tenure of Vilas V Sardessai, Goan football has seen many ‘highs’ and the best tribute to him will be our efforts to propel Goan football to a glorious high level in the country," said Monteiro. The chairman, vice“chairman, member secretary and members of the Council deeply condoled the sad demise of Sardessai and conveyed their deepest and heart-felt sympathies to the bereaved family.
