PANAJI
Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes was impressed with multi-sport facilities available at Panjim Gymkhana. The legendary South African player was at the grand finale of Panjim Gymkhana Members League (PGML 5.0) T20 cricket tournament on Sunday.
“I have been living in Goa for three years. This is the first time I have been to a facility here at the Panjim Gymkhana. It’s incredible. My opinion about sports in India is that the focus has been primarily on cricket. We just celebrated the T20 league now. It’s amazing to see the facilities over here. I just had a walk around. It’s great to see an indoor facility which the cricketers can use when they cannot go outside for practice during four months of rainy season. There is facility for tennis, badminton, pickleball, squash, table-tennis, golf simulator,” Rhodes said.
He further added, “It is so important that all these facilities are there for all ages. It was also great to see many young girls as well that were out here today. Some were even participating in the tournament.”
Hailed as one of the greatest fielders of all times, the South African cricketer is now into cricket coaching.
“I am not an expert cricket coach. I am just a cricket coach who loves to spread the word of cricket, “ Jonty said.
“Panjim Gymkhana is doing superbly. Great facilities. They have matched up with giving opportunities for many people. I have seen with IPL. Give cricketer players in India opportunities to showcase their skills and they will grab it with both the hands. Look at the way they are playing cricket these days,” he added.
Rhodes who has made Goa his second home since last three years was full praise for the state. He lives with his wife and children near Agonda beach in South Goa, where they enjoy a relaxed lifestyle.
He said, “Well, everybody comes here for a holiday. I live in a holiday destination. I get to see the ocean; I get the jungle. I have just come from having an ice bath this morning. Such an electric mix of people in Goa. In the South, we are really basic. So, you get to pick Goa that is actually really cool. Everyone talks about diversity from state to state in India. In this state itself there is incredible diversity.”
