PANAJI
The Goa Badminton Association (GBA) is set to conduct its upcoming elections in strict accordance with the provisions outlined in the Sports Code. Scheduled for April 21, at 11 am, the elections will take place at a city hotel in Panaji. Comprising 27 affiliated members, including two District Associations and 25 clubs, the GBA aims to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
During the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held last week, members unanimously approved to hold the upcoming elections as per the Sports code and endorsed the adoption of the 'Basic Universal Principles of Good Governance' as endorsed by the XIII Olympic Congress. These principles emphasize fairness, transparency, and inclusivity, including age and tenure limits for office bearers, and athlete participation in decision-making processes.
In line with the objectives of broadening sports participation and achieving excellence, the AGM also approved the formation of various committees and commissions dedicated to professional management, athlete funding, ethics commission, dispute resolution, Taluka committees, technical officials commission, women empowerment and development commissions.
Looking towards the future, the GBA has proposed plans to set up a state-of-the-art academy and collaborate with the Badminton Association of India to host national and international events in Goa. This initiative aims to leverage Goa's potential as a sports tourism hub, in line with the Government of Goa’s tourism policy.
All affiliated member units of the GBA are eligible to nominate either their President, Secretary, or an authorized representative to attend the Extraordinary General Body meeting and/or file nominations for executive committee positions within the Association. The nomination filing dates are set for April 11 and April 12, under the supervision of the Returning Officer, Mahesh Candolkar, President of the Goa Chess Association.
In a bid to ensure transparency and integrity, observers from key organisations such as the Badminton Association of India (BAI), the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), and the Goa Olympic Association have been invited to oversee the election proceedings.
“Change is inevitable for growth in any organisation. As our association has evolved over the years, it's crucial to infuse new energy. The upcoming committee should witness the arrival of several fresh faces, as some of the current members will step down either voluntarily or due to eligibility criteria outlined in the Sports Code," remarked Sandeep Heble, Secretary of the GBA.
