After taking charge, Sports Minister Govind Gaude, inspected the Swimming pool at Campal. He said that it has been a long cry of Panjimkars for opening of the pool. While he is unable to provide an exact date for opening, he promised to get it open for the public soon. “I will make sure that there will be no work where people will point out. I have directed all my directors to complete and open all projects which are under pipe line or 90% work is completed.” He said that he will call a review meeting with the Director and contractor of the swimming pool and decide date of opening.
He sharply reacted to using influence in sports. “No influence in sports. Parents come with their child and try to influence to put their child in sports which will be not tolerated; those will be rejected there only,” replied the Sports Minister.
With regards to the budget in the sporting arena, Gaude said, “The sports budget has been neglected and it’s an open secret. The budget given for the Sports department is insufficient. To take sports to a higher leave we need more budget. I will direct the director to make more budget plans so that we can apply for supplementary budget.” He also stressed the need for maintenance of sports infrastructure.
Gaude who’s planning to turn around the department said that he will sit with coaches, PT teachers to take their suggestions since they are the experts. He opined that Goa isn’t ready for the national games and infrastructure has to be made ready for the same.
-Tukaram Marathe