PANAJI
Former India coach and captain of Goan-origin Joaquim Carvalho has lamented that Goan interests are sacrificed over outstation players and has urged the Goa hockey officials to start a long-term youth development if they want to take Goan hockey out of the doldrums
“Why take outstation players? Are there no players from Goa? Then it shows how the body is promoting and developing Hockey in Goa,” said Carvalho, who traces his roots to Assolna village in South Goa
“Why can't local boys be there to form a team. If they are going to bring players from outside then what about homegrown talent. Let them mold the Goan boys then depending on short cuts.”
Carvalho said North East state of Manipur was nowhere in hockey a few decades back but is now contributing players to the national team for the senior team as well as the junior and sub junior team.
“Take the example of Manipur. They got hammered in the beginning but are now contributing towards the Indian team,” he said.
“Have a long drawn plan towards developing Hockey in Goa,” he added.
Going down the memory lane Carvalho remembers the good work put in by some dedicated coaches like Alexander Remedios.
“I remember Remedios training girls and boys who gave a tough fight against the Mumbai schoolboys and girls a few years ago. It was the result of long drawn training by him.”
“All that Goan players require is matches and matches against good teams and exposure tours within the country,” he said on a parting note.
