Former internationals Carvalho and Fernandes inaugurate the newly laid Astro turf at the South Goa school
PANAJI
Former Olympians Joaquim Carvalho and Merwyn Fernandes were on hand as Fr. Agnel Multipurpose High School and Agnel Ashram Verna ushered in a new beginning through the launch of the hockey training programme as part of the curriculum for students of Std. II and III.
Held in presence of Fr. Agnelo Gomes, Director of Agnel Ashram, Fr. Vicky Hilario, Manager, Conrad Mendes, Headmaster along with hockey enthusiast Tom Menezes and former India junior player and coach Anselm Gabriel and members of the staff and parents, the hockey programme witnessed nearly 90 students from Std. II and III listen eagerly to the advice doled out by former Arjuna Awardees, Carvalho and Fernandes.
Merwyn Fernandes was all praise for the priests at Agnel Ashram for this unique initiative that will in fact act as a blueprint for the grassroots development of hockey, especially in South Goa. He was in awe of the changing landscape of the institute in Verna that has seen the laying of a brand-new hockey turf.
“The priests of this school have proved that it is not about just words, but deeds as well. Today, we not only have a top-class hockey facility here, but we also have our children training seriously with an eye on a hockey career in the future. This proves true commitment to a cause,” Merwyn Fernandes noted.
Ever too keen on supporting hockey in his native Goa, former Indian captain and coach Carvalho was hopeful of seeing at least a few of the children as future Olympians.
“I am convinced that today, August 4, will be truly a red-letter day, not just for Agnel Ashram Verna, but for the entire State of Goa simply because a dedicated group of sportspersons have put their hearts and minds together to lay a future pathway for these young players,” Carvalho said.
Coach Anselm Gabriel who will be overseeing the entire coaching programme disclosed that he will be visiting the school three times a week - on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with the sessions being worked out from 8.50 to 10.15 am.
The groundwork of organising the programme and the future curriculum was done by a handful of teachers from the school, including Clara Dias, Claire, Robertina Almeida and along with Physical Education teachers Prabhakar Velip and Filbert Pereira.
