‘Mr Eduardo Faleiro: An Inspiration to Millions’ released Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mr Ajay Maken recently released a book titled ‘Mr Eduardo Faleiro: An Inspiration to Millions’ written by the Director, Sports Authority of India, Patiala, Roque Dias in the presence of state chief minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, sports minister, Mr Manohar (Babu) Azgaonkar, former chief minister, Dr Wilfred de Souza and other dignitaries at a function in Panaji. Speaking on the occasion the Union Minister, Mr Ajay Maken referring to the book stated that Mr Faleiro was an inspiration to all as he learnt swimming in his 50s and also managed to cross the Mandovi River. He added, “He is an inspiration to me as being the sports minister I don’t know how to swim.” Writer, Roque Dias in his address spoke about his interaction with Mr Faleiro. “When Mr Faleiro was MP (Member of Parliament), he started to swim. That time I introduced him to a yoga coach in order to help him in his swimming. On May 9, 1994 he crossed Mandovi River in the presence of then chief minister, Dr Wilfred D’Souza. In this book I have tried to bring in his spirit, persistence and commitment. It is a saga of an athletic minister.” The deputy chairperson of the State Planning Board, Dr Wilfred de Souza in his address mentioned that this book can be a motivation for young sportspersons. The commissioner for NRI Affairs, Mr Eduardo Faleiro stated that yoga is a great sport created in India. He said, “Simply reading a book does not develop character. It is also formed by different regulated activities including sports. Physical education and sports should be an integral part of the school curriculum. The development of sports should happen at grass root levels.” He said India was lagging far behind as a sporting nation. Compared to China or Cuba for example, sports in India are neither broad based nor significant in terms of proven excellence. “There is too much concentration on resources and public support for a few sports like cricket and there is need to popularise other sports specially medal intensive sports such as athletics, gymnastics and swimming” Mr Faleiro said. The chief minister, Mr Digambar Kamat said Goa’s performance at the national level in sports was quite good. We are preparing ourselves to excel at the forthcoming national games in Goa and therefore stress is being laid on training and coaching programmes. The sports budget of the state he said has been raised to `80 crores. The state minister for Sports, Mr Manohar Azgaonkar said that sporting talent not only helps one achieve a name but also helps one gain monetary benefits. Sports talents who excelled in swimming and sports, Ms Talasha S Prabhu and Master Nehran Navin Acharya were felicitated on the occasion. The executive director of Sports Authority of Goa, Mr V M Prabhudessai was present on the occasion. The director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Dr Susana de Souza earlier welcomed the gathering while the deputy director, Ms Juliana Gurjao Colaco proposed a vote of thanks.
