PANAJI
In a significant step towards realising the long-standing dream of a dedicated Goa Olympic Bhavan, the Goa Olympic Association (GOA) convened a productive interactive meeting with architect Pallavi Ghate Stardekar of Parijat Design.
Held in Margao, the session served as a preliminary consultation with representatives of various State Sports Associations (SSAs), where initial ideas, facility requirements, and potential land locations were discussed.
The meeting was led by GOA Secretary General Gurudatta Bhakta and Treasurer Jayesh Naik, and saw active participation from key stakeholders, including Sameer Kakodkar (Goa State Tennis Association), Conceisao Fernandes, Rupesh Mahatme, and Wency Gonsalves (Goa Handball Association), Sunil Naik and Sanjay Velip (Goa Kho Kho Association), Sudesh Nagvekar (Goa Swimming Association), Sidharth Satardekar (GOA Council Member), Shubham Narvekar (Goa Netball Association), and Sudesh Thakur (Goa Gymnastics Association).
Earlier, the GOA had invited suggestions from all State Sports Associations regarding their needs and expectations for the Olympic Bhavan. These inputs were compiled and presented to the architect during the meeting, forming the basis for a comprehensive design brief that reflects the real-world requirements of the sporting community.
The proposed facility includes classrooms, conference spaces, a multipurpose seminar hall, library, Hall of Fame lobby, shared and individual office spaces for SSAs, guest house, cafeteria, gym, media room, equipment storage, swimming pool, and amphitheatre, among other key amenities. Accessibility for para athletes, green building features, and adequate parking and control infrastructure were also prioritised.
Importantly, many associations also recommended that the complex include an Indoor Stadium to support sports disciplines lacking regular facilities.
Such a venue would serve as a year-round location for state camps, district competitions, and state championships. North Goa MP and GOA President Shripad Naik has assured the delegation of his full support in acquiring land and mobilising necessary approvals for the project. The Goa Olympic Bhavan, once completed, is set to become a landmark institution and a catalyst for sporting excellence in the state.
