General Secretary says most state level associations of different sports take outstation players and also hockey teams field players from other states
PANAJI
Goans Hockey General Secretary Farrel Furtado e Gracias while defending the decision to go in for outstation players for the upcoming Hockey India Senior Men National Championship, lamented that the parent body for the sport in the state is lacking support from the state government.
“What facilities do we get from the government,” the former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), who was elected from Velim constituency said.
“What incentives are there for the players to come daily for practice? We don't have an academy where they live, study and play like other states. No job facilities are given for the sportsmen who waste time, energy and come daily. Where is the enthusiasm,” she added.
She said all states take players from other states even in states where there are residential academies.
“All around the country all other states take outside good players, even in states where there are academies. Check Daman and Diu and other states. Goans hockey has taken outside players only 4 to 6 for senior level and all associations all round Goa and the country do that for team events,” she said.
“Are jobs being provided to them? What facilities do they (players) have,” she questioned.
For the records, the Goa Government has reserved four per cent jobs for sports persons but it was not immediately known as to how many state level hockey players have got government jobs.
Gracias said most of the Goan players could not attend the training session ahead of the National championship which will take place from November 4 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu because they have job commitments.
Explaining the options available for the Goans Hockey she said one option was not to send the team which will deprive Goan players a chance to play at the National Championship.
“The Goan players are all working, if they are not relieved (from their workplace) for the senior men team. We had three options. Not to send the team depriving other 13 good Goan players. Second send a team of non-performing Goans who get on the ground first time and take numerous goals, fourth take 4 outside players” she said.
