PANAJI
Goa Yachting Association (GYA) has thrown their weight behind ace sailor Katya Coelho who has been inexplicably left out of the final contingent that will represent India at the Asian Games.
In a press statement by its general secretary Keith D’Souza, the association has "demanded justice" for the omitted Goan sailor.
"Katya’s name has been dropped from the list of athletes who have been approved to represent India at the Asian Games to be held in China next month. No reason as such for the same has been provided so far by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs-India," the GYA said in the press release.
"GYA has been continually following up with the Yachting Association of India in this regard so as to obtain the reason for this exclusion.
"It is extremely disheartening for the sailor as well as to the entire sports fraternity especially in Goa. We hope that this matter is resolved positively and at the earliest thereby putting an end to all speculation."
Meanwhile, a number of Goan politicians expressed dismay over Katya's non-selection.
Congress leader Carlos Ferreira called the "last-minute decision" to drop the windsurfer "for no apparent reason, baffling and an insult" to the athlete and to Goa.
"The news that our Goan sailor Katya Coelho has been dropped from the Indian Team for the Asian Games at the last minute despite having qualified is baffling and an insult not only to a champion but also to Goa," the Aldona MLA said. "She's the only Indian to qualify twice in a row for the Asian Games in Wind Surfing. CM Sawant, Sports Minister Govind Gaude must activate the double engine and ensure that Katya is included in the team and justice is served. Goa govt should not fail Goa and Goan Youth." Ferreira also met Chief Minister Sawant and asked him to intervene in the matter.
The Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao blamed the "insensitive BJP government" for the fiasco.
"Insensitive @BJP4Goa @BJP4India Government deprives Goa's Katya Coelho from penning her own story of being the 1st Goan Athlete to qualify for #AsianGames for 2nd time. I urge immediate intervention of @goacm & Sports Minister @Govind_Gaude to give justice to India's Pride," Alemao wrote in a post on X.
Goa Forward leader Vijai Sardesai also backed Katya and called the development a "huge disappointment".
"Govt, throw your weight behind Katya. I’m appalled by the coldness and cruelty with which ace #Goemkar sailor Katya Coelho has been dropped from the Asian Games Squad, that too after having qualified, with no apparent reason. @GovtofGoa and the hon minister for sports @Govind_Gaude must go beyond writing letters and immediately intervene, at the highest level, with all the powers and resources at their command to correct this blatant injustice. This travesty is not only heartbreaking for Katya but also a huge disappointment for #Goa. Show us if your #DoubleEngineSarkar is working," Sardesai tweeted.
