PANAJI
A day after the Goa Badminton Association had appealed to the State government to reconsider its decision to hand over the indoor stadium at Campal to the Election Commission of India (ECI) for use of election-related purposes from October 22, the sports fraternity from the State on Wednesday has strongly reacted to the move by the government.
Goa Table Tennis Association president, Vero Nunes says, “We are shocked to hear that Campal stadium is being taken over for election purposes, despite we apprising the Chairman of the issue during the recently held SAG General Body meeting. Sports will not come up this way if there is no continuity in training and there are such disruptions. Government needs to step in and create a model where sports training is taken seriously and sports persons are groomed to win laurels at the highest level through uninterrupted hours of high intensity training.”
Says Goa Badminton Association secretary, Sandeep Heble, “Through our channels, we approached various government authorities, requesting them not to utilise the stadium for election related work. Ashok Kumar (IAS), the Sports Secretary, has assured us they are looking into the issue and necessary steps are being taken to arrange for an alternate venue. We are hopeful the needful will be done and sports stadiums will not be utilised for such purpose now or in the future.”
“Just as the kids were gearing up for upcoming tournaments, it’s disheartening for kids to learn that they will be out of practice yet again, after months of hardwork. It is high time authorities understand that education and sports should go hand in hand for overall development of youth. Also many facilities exist with the government - primary schools, etc, which are not used and can be utilised for this purpose,” reacted Pooja Bidye, State Ranked U17 badminton player.
TT player and promoter, Sagar Kulkarni, said “This is really disturbing that the government uses its most utilised place for sports - table tennis and badminton for election purposes whereas there are so many unused places government owned also schools which are not opened due to Covid can be used for such work. The season for table tennis and badminton is going on and players do not have a place for practice.”
“Using the stadium’s and sports facilities for the election, functions and activities is like abuse of the facilities. The authorities must try to find alternate facilities for the conduct of such events,” reacted Ashutosh Chari, TT coach.
Goa and India Masters Medallist (Badminton), Amit Kakkar said, “Sports stadiums are meant only for sports activities and should not be used for any purpose other than sports. Using it for exhibitions or elections or any other activity destroys the stadiums, specially the wooden flooring which is pretty expensive. Also it interrupts the practice sessions of the players/ members who play there every day. We all must unite together and stand against such insensible acts.”
“Really saddened on reading the news that indoor stadium will be used for election purpose, as this shows how government isn’t considering importance of sports. So many children and adults will miss out on their morning fitness, training and game if the stadium is closed. Other unused government premises can always be used, why stop children playing their sport. This is not acceptable, government has to rethink,” said Vaishali Chauhan, a parent of Panaji trainee.
Saee Dalvi, badminton trainee says, “It’s important that the players practice regularly. If there is a big break, the progress we have made will be lost. We also have to stay fit. Schools are closed so all we do is sit at home. Because of badminton we get to go out and exercise.”
“I strongly object for using this indoor stadium for some other purpose, other than sports. With this, basic purpose of developing sports is destroyed at the hands of few, who do not have any basic idea and importance of sports,” reacted Dr Satish Kudchadkar, Goa and India Masters Gold medallist (Badminton).
