Courtesy: Herald


‘Build stadium for futsal, just as other stadiums will also be built’

April 2, 2012

by Jovito Lopes

The axing of futsal from the 3rd Lusofonia Games in Goa in November 2013 came in for sharp criticism, the argument being: “If there is no infrastructure facility for seven or eight disciplines including the new, unknown, not popular at all, washu, it is unfair and unsporting and uncalled for to say that there is no indoor stadium for futsal and as such the exclusion of the discipline.”

GFA general secretary Alberto Colaco reacted: “There are plans for building new stadiums for athletics, basketball, volleyball, fully renovating judo and taekwondo stadiums. So, it was absolutely wrong to state that Goa does not have an indoor stadium for football.”

“Just like for other games, the indoor stadium facility for futsal needs also to be built, since futsal is popular in Goa. And, I am sure that futsal is even more popular with ACOLOP countries, especially Brazil and Portugal, whereas wushu is a comparitevely a new sport,” reasoned out Alberto.

“It was really funny that I was told at the meeting that futsal would be played outdoors, when the whole world is aware that futsal is played only indoors with appropriate flooring. I went personally and checked at Don Bosco indoor stadium in Panjim about the dimensions. Consequently, a new stadium needs to come up to international specifications, just like new stadiums will be planned and built for several other disciplines,” stressed the former AIFF general secretary, who queried: “Why shouldn’t a futsal be built in Goa?”

Alberto found fault with the way things are being planned and worked out. “First of all, each discipline must have a Games Technical Conduct Committee, with a Technical Director, as these are the people who know what exactly needs to be done technically for the conduct of the specific event. I am associated with SAF Games, being its Technical Director for football. It’s a vital procedural aspect, for which there is no deviation. It is a must or else will be groping in the dark,” clarified Alberto.

Alberto pointed out that if there are 10 teams in football competition and if the stadium is not available during the opening and closing ceremonies, then the championship would be reduced to just seven days with all matches just in one stadium, as the teams would surely want matches to be played group-wise, league basis. That apart, depending on the number of teams, we will have to provide those many training grounds with excellent playing surface. “Hence the need for the Technical Committee with a qualified Technical Director.”

The Goa Athletics Association secretary, Mario Moraes after looking into the proposed Pedem track in Mapusa, stated: “For athletics we need our own athletics stadium, which could be in Bambolim.” Obviously, he did not seem happy with the proposed Pedem track, and was dreaming of another full fledged stadium for athletics elsewhere, fully knowing that the facility could be created only by the Government and not by association. The sooner he collaborates and integrates with the authorities will be better, for there cannot be duplication of works which would mean wasteful, unproductive expenditure.

Vero Nunes, president of Goa Table Tennis Association, felt that there was a need for a full-fledged stadium for table tennis and that he would prefer if the Campal indoor stadium is razed and a new one, confirming to international specifications built, rather than doing some cosmetic modifications at Community Hall, Taleigao.

Meanwhile, Joaquim Teles, former joint director (accounts) with SAG commented that ACOLOP had granted permission for Lusofonia Games with severe strictures.

“The entire planning process is faulty. The planning and normative features are missing. For one full year, we have been promising and not delivering, and as such apprehensions will persist. The impression and image that we have created about Goa is absolutely bad. But, fortunately all is not lost as there is this Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar to undo the great damage. Goa must be thankful that Parrikar has done the rescue act. He will take appropriate, corrective measures and put back the Games on the rail to uphold the name and fame of Goa.”




Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com