Joel andrade
PANAJI
After initial hiccups, Goa is getting ready to host National Games 2018 in at least 32 different disciplines. By virtue of being hosts, Goa are entitled to field their team in every discipline. The Goan spoke to SAG Executive Director, V M Prabhudesai to gauge the preparedness of the state administration for the premier national multi-sport competition. Here are the excerpts
from the interview.
Q: How have Goa’s preparations been from the organising point of view?
VMP: The government in coordination with the Sports Authority of Goa are working at a brisk pace in order to get ready for the Games. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, we are confident of getting ready much before time. Projects like the Indoor Stadium in Pernem, Indoor Stadium in Campal and the refurbishment of the Ponda stadium have been tendered while the Cycling velodrome in Fatorda, Squash courts at Chicalim, Hockey stadium in Peddem will be tendered soon.
Q: Why has there been a delay in tendering the projects?
VMP: Approvals from the government are awaited. The GST component is being worked upon by the government. There is a process we have to follow and that is time-consuming.
Q: Time is running out. Has the absence of ailing Parrikar slowed down the process?
VMP: Without any doubt Parrikar’s absence is a setback. His quick decision-making ability and providing finance is unique. However, the state administration is providing its full support. We are expecting Parrikar to return in a month or two.
Q: Many players prefer to practice outside Goa with outstation coaches. Your thoughts...
VMP: We have to admit that we do not have elite coaches and top level coaching facilities in Goa and to introduce that involves a lot of money. However, this concept of going to academies exists all over the world. To introduce these academies in Goa involves lots of money. That being said, we no doubt have good coaching facilities and have produced a number of national players. One such example is Anura Prabhudesai, who is presently training out of the state despite having been coached in Goa for a number of years.
Q: What is the way forward?
VMP: We need to have academies. We need private players to invest. The newly launched ‘pay and play’ academy in Bengaluru, The Padukone academy is one such that has state of the art facilities costing an investment of Rs 1100 crores. Hopefully the National Games will open the doors for private players to invest in Goa.
Q: Are there any camps being organised for the selected players before the Games?
VMP: The associations will organise their camps and SAG has always provided its full support and will continue to do so.
Q: How many medals can we expect from our contingent?
VMP: It is too early to predict but most definitely we will perform well. You have to remember that only the top eight teams participate in National Games- all of which are formidable.
Q: What is your message to the associations?
VMP: It’s time you get up from your slumber and set up very definite plans and strategies and place them before the government.
Q: What is your advice to the players?
VMP: It’s high time you get your act together. You should undergo rigorous training. You have to work hard and believe in yourself every time you go out there and play. National Games is not the end but just the beginning. Senior Nationals are held every year. One should not look at National Games as an one-time opportunity. It’s a continuous process. I’m sure your hard work will bear fruits sooner than later.
