On Sat, 27 Mar 2004 10:39:39 +0100, Eustaquio Santimano <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
-------- Original Message -------- Subject: [Bosco_Net] Stop the Demolition of Football Stadium-2 Date: Fri, 26 Mar 2004 19:53:00 -0000 From: Sandeep Heble <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] India's performance in the International arena over the last several decades has always been dismal and pathetic. In the post-Independence period, India continues to remain a country with a sparse sporting excellence. Except hockey (till 25 years ago), billiards, chess, and to some extent cricket, success in sports at the international level has always been always embarrassingly meager. Prior to the last Parliamentary Elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party took cognizance of this dismal track record of India's in Sports and in its manifesto promised to change the 'face of Indian sports' if voted to power. "Sports has been neglected since Independence and the blame must be shared by both the Government and society." the BJP manifesto read. "It is a national shame that India, the second most populous country in the world, almost never finds a place in the medals tally in the Olympic Games. It is a sad commentary on our sports culture that, in a country of nearly one billion people, we have not more than 2,000 top-ranking sportsmen and women." The manifesto of the BJP also mooted various points necessary for the improvement of Sports in the Nation. Professor Vijay Kumar Malhotra, convener of the committee which drafted the sports and youth policy in the BJP manifesto, asserted that his was the only party which had categorically identified sports for a major improvement. The BJP led Central Government then subsequently formulated the `National Sports Policy' in the year 2001. In the draft Sports policy, it was therein mentioned that "the availability of adequate sports facilities throughout the country is basic to the development and broad-basing of Sports. In addition to the Union and State Governments, the sustained involvement of other agencies, including the Panchayati Raj Institutions, Local Bodies, Educational Institutions, Sports Federations/Associations. Clubs and Industrial Undertakings will be enlisted in the creation, utilization and proper maintenance of the Sports infrastructure. While existing play fields and stadiums, both in rural and urban areas, will be maintained for sports purposes, the introduction of suitable legislation may be considered for providing open areas to promote sports activities." The National Sports Policy 2001 is thus a meticulously prepared document that encompasses various facets in respect of encouraging sports in the country. Few governments however have taken it seriously. Even Goa, with a relatively rich tradition in Sports, has failed to effectively implement the Sports Policy. It is ironic that a BJP CM has virtually allowed the Sports policy drafted by his own Central Government to be turned into another white elephant and the goals and objectives laid down in the Policy have yet to be substantially realized in our State. While the National Sports Policy speaks of preserving and maintaining the existing playfields and stadiums in the Country, the Chief Minister seems to be more interested in promoting a Film Festival. A film Festival is fine and not many are opposing the same in principle but the Festival certainly must not be promoted at the cost of Sports. The Chief Minister's decision to demolish the Football stadium at Campal-Panaji and utilize it for the purpose of an Auditorium and Parking space for the IFFI is therefore horrible and horrendous. It is pertinent to note that activities relating to Sports and Physical Education are essential components of human resource development, helping to promote good health, comradeship and a spirit of friendly competition, which, in turn, has positive impact on the overall development of personality of the youth. Excellence in sports enhances the sense of achievement, national pride and patriotism. Sports also provide beneficial recreation, improve productivity and foster social harmony and discipline. If the Chief Minister is seriously interested in the Welfare of Youth in the State, he must ensure that the Sports Policy is implemented in totality in Goa. The Chief Minister has the image of an able administrator and a good statesman. He must not allow his image to be tarnished by taking reckless decisions. The decision to utilize the Sports Stadium for Film Festival activities is one such rash and reckless decision. While a major part of the stadium has already been demolished, the Chief Minister, in the best interests of Youth and Sports at large, must ensure that a better stadium is rebuilt on the same ground. The Football ground must not be utilized for any other purpose. Let me finally conclude by quoting Senior BJP leaders Olympian Ajit Pal Singh and Ex-cricketer Kirti Azad: "No country can afford to ignore sports in modern times. It is a billion dollar industry; it keeps the youth involved in constructive activities. A nation which ignores it does so on its on peril. The BJP is determined to make India a force to reckon with in the world arena". The Goans must now hope that the Chief Minister takes heed from his own National Leaders. Sandeep Heble Panaji-Goa ########################################################################## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################
