Over 19 schools receive cricket kits as GCA marks CM’s birthday with sporting push in the taluka
CANACONA
Appealing to the people of Canacona to provide suitable land, BCCI Joint Secretary Rohan Gauns Desai announced that the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) is fully prepared to build a magnificent cricket stadium in the taluka.
Gauns Desai was speaking at a cricket kit distribution ceremony for schools in Canacona, organized by the GCA on the occasion of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant’s birthday, held at Centro Promotor De Instrucao, Char-Rasta, on Thursday. The event was attended by GCA Secretary Shamba Naik Dessai, GCA Joint Secretary Rupesh Naik, and former GCA President Chetan M. Desai, among others.
Cricket kits worth ₹80,000 each were distributed to all 19 high schools in Canacona as part of the birthday celebrations.
Speaking on the occasion, GCA Secretary Shamba Naik Dessai shared that over 400 schools across Goa will receive cricket kits, starting with the 19 schools in Canacona.
In the Chief Minister’s absence, a birthday cake was cut by school children in the presence of State BJP General Secretary Sarvanand Bhagat, GCA office bearers, and executive members of Centro Promotor De Instrucao.
Chief Guest and GCA Ex-President Chetan M. Desai, who is also the President of Shri Mallikarjun & Chetan Manju Desai College, reiterated the statement made by Rohan Gauns Desai, saying that a cricket stadium will be constructed provided suitable land is made available by the people of Canacona or any local association.
Guest of Honour and GCA Secretary Shamba Naik Dessai emphasized that the kit distribution is part of the Khelo India – Fit India movement, urging schools not to treat the cricket kits as mere showpieces.
“If you need more, we are open to exploring those requests positively, but please make use of the kits for practice. You could be the next big name in cricket,” he encouraged.
Earlier, GCA Joint Secretary Rupesh Naik delivered the welcome address. Special invitees included Babuso Naikgaunkar (CPI), retired Headmaster Shantaji Naikgaunkar, and Rajendra Desai, President of Shri Mallikarjun Devasthan, all of whom spoke during the event.
