A delegation of prominent citizens representing different Sports Clubs and Institutions from Panaji, led by the Leader of the Opposition and Panaji City MLA Shri Manohar Parrikar, met the Chief Minister Shri Digamber Kamat, to press their case for Rebuilding of the Campal Football Stadium.
The delegation, which included Arjuna Awardee and former India Captain Brahmanand Shankwalkar, CCP Councillor Surendra Furtado, Dr Rufino Monteiro(Friends of Football) , Sandeep Heble(Panjim Sports Festival Committee), Chetan Kavlekar(Panjim Table Tennis Club), Michael Ribeiro(Kaddint Boys), Leslie Roncon(Young Boys of Campal), Joaquim Teles(Panjim Traditional Festival and Sports Committee), Angelo Albuquerque(Panjim Footballers), Stanislaus D’Souza(Sports Editor, Times of India), Manoj Patil and representatives of a few other clubs briefed the CM about the whole issue and thereafter submitted a Petition demanding the immediate construction of a State-of-the-art Football Stadium at Campal . The Chief Minister assured the delegation that he would study the plans before moving ahead to solve the grievances of the sports persons and the city residents as speedily as possible. The delegation has submitted the following Petition to the Chief Minister: Petition to Shri Digamber Kamat, the Honourable Chief Minister of Goa, requesting him to build a State-of-the-Art Football Stadium at Campal-Panaji speedily and expeditiously. Appeal Dear Sir, We, the following citizens, Sports Clubs, Institutions, wholeheartedly support and endorse a State-of-the-Art Football Stadium at the Campal Grounds, which we believe must be built expeditiously with adequate parking facilities provided and a sound traffic management plan in place. We are extremely disappointed with the Government’s tardy approach, even though the said area has been clearly demarcated as a Football ground in the ODP. The erstwhile Dayanand Bandodkar Stadium was demolished in the year 2002 with an assurance that it would be rebuilt within a span of 2 years. Nearly a decade has gone by but a new stadium has not yet come in its place. The ground, which lies in a prime location, has today become a wasted asset of the city. Though the plans for such a stadium have been prepared and are ready for execution, the proposal has been held up needlessly on flimsy and whimsical grounds. Despite repeated requests for the stadium from the Public, the Government has been lethargic in its approach and has created unnecessary hurdles and delays. We urge the Government to wake up and address the grievances of the Panaji city, its residents, sportspersons and other fans more adequately and to commence the works on the stadium at the earliest. Football is the most favored sport of Goa and Goans. It is a sport which has brought Goa several laurels and has given birth to many distinguished sportspersons like Brahmanand Sancoalcar, Bruno Coutinho, etc. who have gone on to become household names and International stars now. The support for Football in the whole State is overwhelming and so is the support for the stadium at the same location which has a historic significance. The residents of Panjim and surrounding areas hold great pride in this stadium and its historic heritage. The present venue is conveniently located for the stadium. With the Parade grounds located in close vicinity, there is ample scope for Parking as and when top quality games will be held. The Stadium will be a great asset to the city and can primarily be used to host School and College games and First and Second division matches with top quality games being held here once in a while. In addition, clubs from Panjim and surrounding areas will get the opportunity to play against one another thereby promoting the spirit of brotherhood, a competitive atmosphere and friendly bonding amongst the local residents. Such a stadium can also go on to serve as a centre for sporting excellence, where coaching and development, from grass roots training to specialist coaching, can be provided, thereby generating an increased participation of the youngsters in the game and creating a future generation of great footballers. Therefore, for the underlying reasons outlined in this petition, we request you to kindly take personal interest; and to ensure that justice is done to footballers, sports persons and other fans from the Capital city who have been waiting with gasping breath for this stadium to come up. With your support, we can build a better future for our sportspersons. Yours sincerely, 1. Shri Manohar Parrikar(Hon’ ble Leader of the Opposition and Panaji MLA) 2. Brahmanand Shankwalkar(Arjuna Awardee and Former India Football Captain and Goalkeeper) 3. Surendra Furtado and Bharati Heble(CCP Councillors) 4. Dr Rufino Monteiro(Friends of Football) 5. Sandeep Heble(Panjim Sports Festival Committee), 6. Chetan Kavlekar(Panjim Table Tennis Club), 7. Michael Ribeiro(Kaddint Boys), 8. Leslie Roncon(Young Boys of Campal), 9. Joaquim Teles(Panjim Traditional Festival and Sports Committee), 10. Angelo Albuquerque(Panjim Footballers), 11. Stanislaus D’Souza(Sports Editor, Times of India), 12. Manoj Patil(Panjim Sports and Cultural Club) 13. JCI St. Inez, Panjim Badminton Club, Chess Activity Centre and others. ---------------------------------------- yours sincerely Sandeep Heble 9326129171 (on behalf of the delegation)
