Daijiworld Media Network – Porvorim

Porvorim, Jul 31: Goa chief minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Wednesday assured the state legislative assembly that all pending financial assistance to sports associations across the state will be disbursed by October—provided that the respective associations have submitted their utilisation certificates.

The assurance came in response to concerns raised by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, who criticised the government for failing to release crores of rupees in grants to key sports bodies, despite publicly declaring football as the state sport.

Sardesai highlighted the glaring delay in funding, stating that only Rs 2.5 lakh of the Rs 72 lakh earmarked for football over a four-year period has been disbursed so far. “If you don’t give grants, you will not get results,” he said, pointing out that several active associations—including those representing athletics, boxing, badminton, and sepak takraw—have received no support from the government.

He further questioned the rationale behind extending financial assistance to associations with fewer members, such as yogasana and pencak silat, while neglecting more popular and established sports bodies. “Why is Rs 10.8 lakh in grants still pending for the Goa Badminton Association?” he asked.

Responding to another concern raised by Sardesai over the limited presence of Khelo India Centres, Sawant clarified that the government plans to establish such centres in all 12 talukas in a phased manner, beyond the currently functional centres in Sanquelim and Ponda.

The chief minister reiterated that pending dues will be cleared across the board by October, assuring that associations which have submitted the required documentation will receive their due share.