Margao: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant assured full support to Goa Cricket Association to build an international cricket stadium but also stressed that it will be better if they decide to construct it on their own land.
Addressing the gathering at the GCA Prize Distribution ceremony 2022-23, Dr Sawant emphasised that the long wait for a stadium might end during this term.
“Goa government is doing a lot to promote sports tourism. And if GCA has a cricket stadium, international tourists will come here. Moreover, our players will also be of national standard. The government will support GCA’s stadium pursuit and we will have a meeting soon to decide on the stadium location,” said Dr Sawant.
He also declared that GCA can tie-up with Sports Authority of Goa to use their grounds across all 12 talukas. “The benefit from such a tie-up will be that SAG’s ground will be maintained and the young children will get to hone their skills in their own taluka,” added the CM, who also advised the GCA managing committee to work unitedly by keeping their differences aside.
Margao MLA Digambar Kamat thanked GCA for holding such a function in South Goa for the first time. He hailed GCA for signing a MoU with MCC to develop the historic centre on the lines of the facility present at Porvorim.
GCA president Vipul Phadke stated that the managing committee is considering bringing back the system of relegation and promotion in the A,B,C Division in order to make the matches more competitive. He also assured that the Prize Distribution function will be held annually.
Secretary Rohan Gauns Dessai hailed the clubs for working to bring up talents from the grassroots level and ultimately supplying the players for the Goa Ranji Trophy team. He also hoped that Mohit Redkar will break the jinx and progress to break into Team In India.
Emphasising on the maiden Goa Women’s Premier League impact, Rohan revealed that the number of women players coming for camp has increased. “We had a challenge on our hands to pick a women’s team for BCCI tournament following this elections. We then decided to launch a women’s T20 tournament and today, we see the fruits of this initiative,” said Rohan.
Meanwhile, trophies and cash prizes were presented to winners and runners-up of school level and top divisions from 2017-18 to 2022-23 seasons with a total of almost Rs 12 lakh disbursed in prize money. India bowler Shikha Pandey, South Zone allrounder Tanaya Naik; Ranji Trophy pacer Lakshay Garg (South Zone 2021-22) were felicitated alongwith Nilesh Chodankar (BCCI Curator). Family members of Mohit Redkar, Darshan Misal and Suyash Prabhudesai received the mementoes on the players’ behalf as they were away on India A camp/South zone duty. Match referees Rohit Asnodkar and Krutika Naik were also felicitated.
