PANAJI
Goans Hockey issued a rebuttal to allegations against the association, clarifying issues related to player dues and financial management.
Farrel Furtado e Gracias, the secretary of Goans Hockey, sought to dispel "misconceptions" and clarify the association's financial and operational challenges. She emphasised that Goans Hockey is grappling with significant financial constraints due to the lack of support from the Sports Authority of Goa, which has impacted the ability to pay players and cover expenses. Despite these challenges, she said the association continues to facilitate player participation and improve performance through external support and contributions from its members.
Addressing concerns regarding the payment of dues to players, she said that the association sent teams to competitions in eight categories in 2023. According to Furtado e Gracias, the SAG has not provided any financial support to the association. Consequently, funds for railway tickets and kit expenses, amounting to approximately Rs 1.38 lakh per team, were covered by the personal contributions of association members.
"We spent on the bookings of the teams and this year in 2024, already seven teams have gone where one will be leaving for Chandigarh on September 19 and SAG has not paid us a single paisa. I really thank our members for helping through their contributions, failing which the teams cannot go for the participation," the Goans Hockey secretary said.
Responding to claims that signatures were taken on blank papers for TA/DA expenses, Furtado e Gracias clarified that the association follows a format provided by SAG to confirm that players have been paid. "At no time was any blank signature taken. Players signed against their names. The players are told before departing that TA /DA will be paid when the money is got from SAG," she said, asserting that players are informed that TA/DA payments are contingent on receiving funds from SAG.
The Goans Hockey secretary also refuted accusations from Gudi Paroda players regarding financial support for travel. She explained that the association’s new president had personally funded diesel and driver expenses for players travelling to the West Zone Sub-Junior and Junior category events. She emphasised that players benefit from participation certificates and sports merit marks, and suggested that contributions from schools and local communities are also essential.
Furtado e Gracias has urged for a focus on constructive solutions rather than personal grievances and called for support from both the government and the public to enhance the state of hockey in Goa.
