PANAJI
The Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) has come under criticism from several state-level sports associations, with allegations that their annual grants have not been cleared for months—or even years.
However, officials at SAG clarified that delayed or denied grants are often due to improper documentation submitted by the associations. In an effort to end ongoing disputes and better support the state’s sportspersons, SAG has now introduced clear-cut guidelines for availing grants related to national championships and other events.
To streamline the process, SAG has introduced a stipulated timeline for applying for grants prior to a team’s departure for national championships.
“The association should apply for participation grants at least three weeks before the commencement of the championship,” the circular stated. Applications must include: A letter from the National Federation informing about the national championship and the facilities extended to participating teams, Date of selection trials for selecting the Goa teams, Date, venue, and timing of the pre-national coaching camp, along with the name(s) of the coach(es), A statement of expected expenditure in the prescribed SAG format, The grants form duly signed by probable players, coaches, and association office bearers. Associations that fail to comply with these requirements will not be eligible for grants, the SAG warned.
“Grants will not be sanctioned to an association that does not conduct a pre-national coaching camp. However, if the players/athletes are regular RCC trainees, and the RCC Committee/coaches certify the fitness of the team or players, then the release of grants may be considered under special circumstances—such as late intimation from the federation and a convincing case made by the association regarding the team’s potential performance,” SAG clarified.
Upon successful scrutiny of applications and subject to fund availability, 80% of the grant-in-aid will be released prior to the team’s departure.
“The grant-in-aid sanctioned by SAG must be utilized strictly for the sanctioned purpose and disbursed to players/officials immediately,” the statement added.
Associations must submit detailed expenditure reports within 21 days of the team's return from zonal or national events. This includes: A performance report of the team, Group photographs, A list of players who excelled, A list of any indisciplined players (if applicable).
In addition, associations must submit: The list of medal-winning sportspersons for felicitation and prize money sanction under the existing scheme. Annual performance reports of athletes/teams including the name, event/category, and position won. For cash awards, associations must forward and countersign applications of the winning athletes/teams. Submissions must include merit certificates and a clear copy of the athlete’s bank passbook, including account number, IFSC code, and MICR code.
