Emulate Odisha hockey model to elevate Goan football: Tawadkar

Panaji: Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar called for emulating Odisha’s model for hockey in developing football so that Goa can become one of the best-performing states in the sport.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the finals of the SESA–GFDC Girls Under-12 League held at the Atal Stadium, Cujira, St Cruz on Wednesday.

Present at the closing and prize distribution ceremony were Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, Goa Football Development Council (GFDC) Chairman Glenn Souza Ticlo, GFDC Vice-Chairman Dhaku Madkaikar, GFDC Member Secretary Fransquinha Oliveira, Director Administration, Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) Mangaldas Gaonkar, Coaching Director Sports, SAG, Bruno Coutinho, SAG Treasurer Vinay Mukund Tubki and Director of Vedanta Limited and Sesa Community Development Foundation, P K Mukherjee.

GFDC Quepem Centre emerged champions of the league after defeating GFDC Ambelim Centre 3-1 via penalties in the exciting final played on Wednesday.

Svea Fernandes, Leisha Fernandes and Stella Costa scored for Quepem, while Eleora Crasto netted for Ambelim in a closely contested summit clash.

Children of 21 GFDC centres were present at the closing along with their coaches.

Tawadkar said that there is a need to open a sports school and sports academies as well as nurture children, which will produce performing players.

He also said that the main objective of forming GFDC was to promote football. He called for replicating Odisha in promoting hockey in a big way with development.

“Odisha has produced performing players at the national level. We need to emulate their model in Goa and do something on similar lines for football in Goa. With the state government’s technical and financial support, Goa can be one of the best-performing states in football,” he said.

“GFDC was started to identify talent and Sesa is providing the further education and upgrading their skill for them. Football is the state sport. We are giving it importance but need to take it further. The new chairman is working to identify the lapses of the council,”added Tawadkar.

In his address, Ticlo said that football runs in the blood of Goans like Brazil, but said that today cricket has overtaken football.

“We have a dynamic sports minister and our chief minister Dr Pramod Sawant is supporting us in every aspect. I urge the sports minister that we have to raise the level of GFDC grassroots higher. It is very important to have academies in North and South Goa and appoint a technical director,” he said.

Ticlo also said that there are 36 centres at GFDC and 21 centres have participated in four zones in this league. He added that Sesa has contributed immensely to this sport and a lot of corporates should support the sport.

Oliveira said that the league was a celebration of talent, teamwork, dedication, discipline and the growing spirit of women’s football in Goa.

“Over the past several weeks, these young girls have displayed immense passion, determination and sportsmanship throughout the league. GFDC remains committed to nurturing grassroots across Goa and creating opportunities for young footballers, especially girls, to grow and shine. Initiatives like this league are important in building confidence, encouraging participation and identifying future stars who can represent Goa and India at a higher level,” she said.

A special word of appreciation goes to the parents for continuously supporting and encouraging their daughters to pursue sports and follow their dreams, Oliveira said.

“To the young players, continue to work hard, stay disciplined, enjoy the game and always believe in yourself. The future of Goa football is bright because of talented youngsters like you,” she added.

Speaking on the occasion, Mukherjee said that football brings team spirit, self-determination and respect for opponents, and adds a lot of value to individual characters.

“GFDC is doing an exemplary job in Goa, especially in grassroots football,” he said.

The following were awarded for their performance in the league:

· Best Player of the Tournament – Eunice Fernandes (Ambelim)

· Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament – Sharita Fernandes (GFDC Mandrem)

· Best Defender of the Tournament – Aliza Costa (GFDC Ambelim)

· Most Promising Player – Aliza Fernandes (GFDC Quepem)

· Best Player of the Final – Svea Fernandes (GFDC Quepem)