Will 2008 bring the much needed financial support from the Govt? Goan chess players look forward to the year 2008 and the Goa government to get much needed relief in the terms of financial support to their careers which they have pursued with immense success so far. Many promises have been made in 2007 but it seems to be 2008 when we get to know whether there is truly light at the end of the tunnel or the young players have to announce their premature 'retirement' after having brought many laurels to their state and the country. GSCA President Salgaocar remains 'hopeful' about the sanctioning of the grants though patience is wearing thin with the players, coaches and the parents as far as the Government is concerned.
Infact, double World Champion Ivana Furtado is scheduled to take part in the Asian Schools event in Kandy, Sri Lanka from the 3rd to 10th of January along with schoolmate and upcoming chess player Cyrus Pereira. However, her sanctions for the past four international tournaments as per latest reports, are still awaiting necessary 'signatures' of the concerned authorities. The sports community at large seems largely sympathetic with 'wondergirl' Ivana but questions are still being raised about the apathetic government as the New Year is ushered in! The case of Bhakti Kulkarni is also no different. She was sanctioned a special grant of Rupees Two Lakhs in June this year by none other than Chief Minister Digamber Kamat. Later in the Monsoon session of the Assembly, a question was asked by Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar as to the pending dues to Bhakti and the answer given to him was that the amount would be cleared in 'ten days'. 'Ten days' have stretched to more than six months and Bhakti has won Goa's first National title in that span of time. Yet there is not a mention of the special grant and the other awards due to Bhakti have also not materialised. Perhaps we have to wait for the winter session of the Assembly which begins on 10th of January for relief for the Woman Grandmaster Norm holder from Goa? The cases of Ivana and Bhakti finds parallel in other sports as well. Why the Government, which is trigger happy in sanctioning Special Economic Zones and IT Habitats, which spends lakhs and crores of rupees in the name of IFFI and the AIDS awareness program, suddenly develops cold feet in apportioning sportspeople their rightful dues is both a matter of concern and disdain. Will the sports community have to take to the streets or sit for hunger strikes in a manner similar to Mathany Saldanha and the GMAS will be the million dollar question that the New Year will reveal to the Goan sportslovers across the globe.