Abhay Bhamaikar
PANAJI
For long, Goa had only one hockey ground at Peddem Sports Complex, Mapusa in North Goa. The astro-turf ground at Peddem was created during the Lusofonia Games in 2014 which Goa hosted.
Players from South Goa had to travel all the way to Peddem for practice which was always tough.
Now, the wait is finally over.
“We have got a new ground for hockey in South Goa on a 25 years lease from the government,” said Goans Hockey President Abhay Bhamaikar.
“So there will be a level-playing field now between South Goa and North Goa because South Goa never had a ground for hockey. If you see the structure of hockey, players from Quepem, Sanguem, Canacona, they are the ideal players. They had to travel all the way to Peddem for practice which was always difficult. Now, this won’t be the case. This is a new beginning for Goan hockey in South Goa,” Bhamaikar said.
Bhamaikar further stated, “Our honourable speaker Ramesh Tawadkar Sir has also announced that international standard facility will be created in Canacona wherein 15,000 square metres of land will be given to hockey. This will be first-of-a-kind facility to be built in South Goa.”
Bhamaikar mentioned that there challenges in promoting hockey in Goa.
It is known fact that hockey in Goa is not that popular as compared to cricket and football.
“Cricket has lots of money. So, its promotion is going on in full-swing. There is so much marketing, advertisement and money involved in cricket that players do not have to take extra efforts. As far as football is concerned, Goans are crazy about football. Goenkars love watching football matches whether it is village-level tournament or ISL or World Cup or Euro Cup even if it means sitting late nights, “ Bhamaikar stated.
“Hockey is a high-risk and fast-paced game. It requires a lot of stamina, fitness. But, now-a-days, kids are more into mobile games rather than physical games, so that’s a big challenge, “ he said.
“Also, since the hockey ground is located at Peddem, Mapusa in North Goa, travelling there for practice from South Goa is another challenge.”
Bhamaikar further said, “Another challenge we are facing is that many players initially start their career with hockey. But, later on divert to other sports such as cricket or football, since they get better facilities and money over there.”
Regarding future plans, Bhamaikar said, ”We will be organising Goan Hockey Sub-Junior League in October in order to promote hockey in Goa at the grass-root level. Once a player comes at the sub-junior level, he goes on to play at the junior level next and then seniors one-day.”
“In the future, if we get good funding from the government or society, we can get an international level coach in Goa to train our hockey team, “ Bhamaikar said.
