the goan I network
PANAJI
Shripad Naik’s panel trumped at the Goa Olympic Association (GOA) elections for the managing committee 2018-2022 held at Hotel Manoshanti on Saturday evening. While the AYUSH minister now starts his second term at the helm, secretary-general Gurudatta Bhakta is into his third stint. Goa Athletic Association Secretary Paresh Kamat has been unanimously elected as the treasurer of GOA for the first-time.
The immediate task for the GOA is to organise the National Games next year. “The entire country is looking forward to the National Games to be held in Goa,” asserted Bhakta while speaking to The Goan. He also clarified that he will not violate any clause in the Indian Olympic Association constitution with his third term in office.
“IOA Observer K Govindraj was here for the elections. And the process was clearly held according to the guidelines of the federation,” emphasised Bhakta, who explained that Sports Code has been implemented at the federation level and the Union Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore has only ‘advised’ State governments to implement the code in the states. “To do that, the State cabinet has to accept and ratify it. That has not happened in Goa,” remarked Bhakta, brushing off his critics’ claims of iron-fist administration.
Meanwhile, one of the first priority declared by Shripad after the elections was the construction of ‘Olympic Bhavan’. He has set up a committee under Goa Weightlifting Association Secretary Jayesh Naik to lead the task.
Speaking to the various association members present post the elections, K Govindraj, observer of the GOA elections expressed satisfaction of the smooth conduct of the election process. “I would like to complement all who took part in the elections for their sportive behavior, even though they may have lost. The scene here is unlike many places elsewhere where there is a lot of fighting,” K. Govindraj remarked. He also appealed to Gurudatta Bhakta to include those not elected to any post to be included in all the other committees so that their support could be taken to ensure the development of various sports.
Gurudatta Bhakta, general secretary, GOA stated that they sought for the recognition of the extension of the Goa Chess Association, Traditional Karate Association of Goa, Roller Skating Association of Goa and All Goa Silambar Association. There has also been an application for affiliation by Goa Association of Squash and Goa Rugby Union.
“Jayesh Naik was selected as chairman while Ashwin Tombat was declared as the national team selection observer for the forthcoming National Games. Sunil Morasskar was named as ceremonial dress and kit committee in-charge while Rajendra Gadkari was appointed chairman of the Website and Website Group. Each of the committees would include two other members upon discussion. The financial position of GOA was said to be good at Rs 25-26 lakh in FDs with some more funds to come from SAG,” Bhakta revealed.
He also declared that a clearer picture on the dates of the 36th National Games to be held in Goa will be known on 27th of this month.
