Representation to CM seeks review of key planned changes
PANAJI
Ahead of the annual general meeting of the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) scheduled for February 6, sports promoter and former Goa Badminton Association secretary Sandeep Heble has submitted a detailed representation to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the ex-officio president of SAG, raising concerns over policy, governance and implementation issues in the proposed agenda.
In his submission, Heble said State sports associations, though registered as societies, perform public functions such as organising State championships, selecting teams and preparing athletes for national and international competitions. He noted that most associations are run by honorary office bearers and operate without remuneration. He said government policy envisages these bodies as partners in sports promotion, with SAG playing a facilitative role.
However, Heble expressed concern that several agenda items reflect a shift from facilitation to regulation. He said proposals imposing charges and rigid compliance conditions treat Associations as facility users rather than policy partners and could weaken their institutional capacity.
A major issue highlighted is the absence of consultation before finalising the agenda. Heble said no meetings were held with associations to understand sport-specific challenges and grassroots realities, and that uniform guidelines have been proposed without considering differences across disciplines.
Objections have been raised to Agenda Item 25, which proposes levying charges for using sports facilities beyond limited free days. Goa Hockey Association secretary Farell Furtado said, “Before placing such far-reaching items on the AGM agenda, there should have been a proper consultative process… We are now being told that charges will be levied even for conducting State Championships and training camps.”
She added, “If associations are forced to cut down on camps due to financial pressure, it is the athletes who will ultimately suffer.”
Goa Triathlon Association secretary Nisha Madgavkar said higher costs could discourage youth participation, making it difficult to offer affordable training and competitions.
The representation also called for a clear policy to support associations hosting national-level events and a facilitative approach in resolving documentation issues linked to grants for the 37th National Games.
Heble also objected to proposals on regulating private coaches and deputing SAG coaches for officiating duties. “Coaches are appointed to train athletes, not to routinely abandon training centres,” he said.
He urged that major agenda items be deferred and that a structured consultative process be initiated with State sports associations.
