Parrikar, Azgaonkar assure financial support to GM Anurag

the goan I network
PANAJI

On the occasion, TTCA took the opportunity to recognize the efforts of Shrinivas Dempo, Chairman Dempo Group of Companies, Dilip Salgaocar, Chairman, Geno Pharmaceuticals and Kishor Bandekar, Treasure, AICF and secretary, GCA for their contribution on developing chess in the State.
Gracing the occasion were Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar, Sports Minister Manohar (Babu) Azgaonkar, MLA, Curchorem and President, GCA apart from members of Tiswadi Taluka chess Association.
After a welcome song sung by children, Mahesh Candolkar, President, TTCA welcomed the dignitaries on the dais.
Speaking on behalf of GCA, as the President, Nilesh Cabral stated that it was a matter of pride that Anurag has taken the Association to such a high level by his performances. "He started playing competitively at 8 and became a GM at 22. The chess lovers of Goa always wanted a GM and with young Anurag reaching there it is a start," he stated.
He further made a request to the Chief Minister and the Sports Minister to financially recognize the efforts of the 48th GM produced by Goa as other States have in the past. Citing examples, he went on to say that the Haryana government recently awarded prize money of Rs 10 lakh to their newly titled GM, while not too long ago Tamil Nadu announced Rs 5 lakh to a player from their State having achieved a similar feat.
Cabral, in his capacity as an elected MLA promised that he will represent all GMs and IMs arising from the State hereon in the Assembly to ensure that the Chess Association which has been struggling for a long time will be given its due. "I hope some recognition will be given by the Government to the Association for bringing the first GM of Goa," he added. Dilip Salgaocar stated that it was always their endeavor at Geno Pharmaceuticals to recognize individuals from across fields. Shrinivas Dempo while accepting his award, mentioned that Dempo Group instituted the Goodwill Ambassador in sport in 2009. While mentioning that Anurag came on board in 2011, he made it clear that because of his hard work and determination the chess player stayed with them for the last many years.
"It is not because of me he is there, but his performance as the others are reviewed after every year by a specially constituted team and it has been realized his performance graph has gone up after becoming a Dempo Goodwill ambassador," he revealed.
Anurag Mhamal, Goa's first GM speaking on the occasion was overwhelmed with emotion and appreciation. "I would like to thank everyone for having graced this occasion and taking time out in spite of the terrible weather. I would also like to thank TTCA for organizing this event in my honour," he stated. Manohar (Babu) Azgaonkar, Sports Minister said: "I am happy we have the talent to reach at that level. I will declare his prize in the Assembly."