PANAJI
Goa’s first Arjuna Awardee and Padma Shri winner Brahmanand Shankhwalkar is happy that the National Games are finally happening in Goa.
In an exclusive interview with The Goan, he spoke on various topics ranging from Goa as a host for National Games to Goan football to import of players.
-Goa as a host for National Games-
It’s a matter of great pride and honour that Goa is hosting the National Games. The games were allotted to Goa in 2008. Now, we are in 2023. It has been a long wait for 15 years. I don’t know what is the reason as to why there was so much delay but I must give full credit to the Sports Minister Govind Gaude who along with the support of our honourable Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has finally made it happen. They were very much serious about it. So far, the Games have been successful. There shall always be criticism, no matter however good you do.
-Import of players from outside state-
The concerned authorities must ensure that the standard of our Goan athletes reach national level. It‘s sad to see that some sports associations in Goa selected players from outside states in order to boost the medal tally there by depriving our own talented athletes to represent Goa. Such things should not happen in future. Otherwise, our Goan players will lose interest, they will get demotivated. They will feel if outsiders are selected to represent Goa then what’s the use of playing for so many years.
-Goa's performance at the National Games-
We have done well to win 37 medals so far, our best ever show at the National Games. We won medals in multiple disciplines. Our beach soccer team under the guidance of Bruno Coutinho won silver. I really appreciate the boys for that. It was for the first time that beach soccer was introduced at the National Games and Goa made it to the podium finish. But, I am really disappointed with the performance of our football team, both men’s and women’s. We could not even qualify for the semi-finals. Football is our state sport and a lot was expected from our boys and girls in front of our home crowd.
-No Santosh Trophy title for more than a decade-
I don’t think so that there is a decline in standard of Goan football. I feel Goan players are not getting enough exposure. Earlier, during our days, there would be a lot of football tournaments happening all over India throughout the year.
This has reduced a lot. In Goa, even the prestigious Bandodkar Trophy has stopped. We have only the Goa Professional League. Also, I-League and ISL players are not released by the clubs to represent their state during Santosh Trophy. This has also impacted Goa’s performance.
-Absence of Goan players in the Indian national team-
It’s a serious matter. During our days, there would be at least 2-3 Goan players in the Indian team. All the stakeholders associated with the beautiful game should sit together and introspect the reason. We have had so many great sports administrators and international players from Goa. All should come together, find out the reason and act upon it.
