MARGAO
MARGAO: Abhay Bhamaikar, President of Goan Hockey, met with Dr. Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, and Bhola Prasad, Secretary General, on the sidelines of the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 final in Chennai on Wednesday.
Bhamaikar described the meeting as “extremely positive” and invited the Hockey India leaders to visit Goa to help accelerate work on the South Goa Hockey Stadium in Fatorda by engaging with the Chief Minister and Sports Minister.
He praised Dr. Tirkey’s efforts to secure Khelo India funding, calling it a significant boost for hockey in South Goa. Bhola Nath Singh’s initiatives, including an orientation program for aspiring coaches and an international conference on AI in hockey, were hailed as innovative steps to develop grassroots hockey.
“We had a constructive discussion on strengthening hockey infrastructure and empowering the sport in Goa,” Bhamaikar said. “They have assured us they will discuss the matter with the Goa Chief Minister and Sports Minister before the HI League commencement.”
Bhamaikar also lauded the Indian men’s junior hockey team for clinching a historic bronze medal at the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup 2025, defeating Argentina 4-2 in the third-place playoff. “Proud of our junior boys for scripting history with their first-ever bronze medal in a thrilling contest. Congratulations, Team India! The #ChakDeIndia spirit continues to shine,” he said.
