MARGAO
The mortal remains of Dionisio Edward Sardinha, president of Curtorim Gymkhana who passed away after fighting a coronavirus infection, were laid to rest at St Alex Church Cemetery, Curtorim on Tuesday morning.
Sardinha, 49, also served as the secretary of Wilred Leisure Sports Club and was instrumental in organising an all-India volleyball tournament in his village. He was also at the forefront in organising the Goa Football Association's First Division, Second Division and age-group tournament.
Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco, Curtorim Sarpanch Milagres Rodrigues, Rui Menezes, panch and ex Sarpanch of Curtorim, and Arnaldo Costa, secretary of Curtorim Gymkhana and ex member of the GFA attended the funeral. Sardinha is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.
Anthony Pango, in his tribute to the departed football administrator, said, “The demise of Sardinha is very sad. I had known him for a couple of years and closely followed all his exploits in football. We will always remember Sardhina as an able administrator who has given everything for the game. He donated Rs 30,000 for the South Goa Under-16 winners and runners-up. It will be difficult for Curtorim football to fill the void left by him. We will miss him big time."
“For Curtorim football, he is a big loss and at this hour of grief we stand by his family and our prayers are with his family. It's really sad. He was a very good organiser; you could depend on him for sports activities and he did a lot for Curtorim Gymkhana. May his soul rest in peace,” said Armando Colaco, former India coach.
“I offer my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace,” said Anthony Leo Fernandes. Joe Dias, president of Salcete Football Club, described him as a man of simplicity, who carried all along.
“His passion and devotion for the game was second to none. He made an immense contribution to football in Curtorim village,” said Savio Vaz, coach of Sporting Clube de Goa and former sports secretary of Curtorim Gymkhana.
Prakash Dessai, Anthony Barbosa, both GFA executive members, Cyril Leitao, president of CRC Chinchinim, Querbino Gomes, president of Raitura Sports Club, also condoled the death of Sardinha and offered their sympathies to the bereaved family.
