In 2009 a section of villagers started objecting to the proposedground which is located close to the National Highway. Locals feared that theground’s proximity to the highway could give rise to accidents. They alsoquestioned about the size of the ground. Sources claimed that the opposition tothe ground was because of a dispute between former MLA Francis Silveira and thepanchayat members
Goa Velha hosts the popular “London Trophy” tournament every year,on a ground just a stone’s throw away but the football game has beenpoliticized in our village, say locals. Agnelo Fernandes, a local said: “We haveour Goa Velha Sports Club in professional league but for a ground we have to practicallybeg with others.”
“The ground work hasbeen pending due to incomplete approach road. It is also very close to thenational highway,” said Jagdeep Bhobe “ Sarpanch of Goa Velha Panchayat.
Recently during the finals of the London Trophy tournament ChiefMinister Manohar Parrikar had assured villagers that ground work would be takenup and completed immediately. “Next year the finals of this tournament will beplayed on the new ground,” Parrikar said.
Commenting about ground MLA of St Andre , Vishnu Wagh saidthat “We have plans to pursue the construction of a football ground. But firstthe litigation before the High Court needs to be resolved”. The area is thebest place for the proposed ground, he added.
