SAG AGM: Sports associations object to proposed charges on use of facilities for training camps

Panaji: The general body of the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) meets for the first time in three years on Friday with several state associations upset at the lack of consultative process before finalising the all-important agenda. Many of them have also been critical of the proposals, including one that seeks to levy charges on associations for use of sports facilities for State Championships and training camps beyond limited free days.
The SAG general body meeting will be chaired by chief minister Pramod Sawant with sports minister Ramesh Tawadkar in attendance.
“State sports associations have been kept at arm’s length from revised policy formulations, despite being the primary implementing agencies for most of the activities being regulated,” sports promoter and former Goa Badminton Association (GBA) secretary Sandeep Heble said in his representation to the chief minister on Thursday. “The agenda applies uniform and sweeping guidelines across all sports, without recognising the diversity in formats, competition structures, training requirements and developmental pathways of different disciplines.”
Goa Hockey secretary Farell Furtado said the SAG should have held a proper consultative process with associations, “before placing such far-reaching items on the AGM agenda.”
Most state associations are likely to object to the proposal to levy charges on usage of sports facilities for State Championships and training camps, beyond limited free days.
According to Item No 25 on the agenda, SAG has sought to revise rental charges for usage of various facilities. The permanent recognised associations will be given only a dedicated competition area with allied facilities at stadiums and complexes at no cost to conduct state championship. These facilities, however, will be available for free only once a year, and includes two days for individual sport and five days for team sports.
“Associations would have to bear the full booking charges exceeding their consideration of two or five days free respectively for individual sports and team sports, and if they wish to have the championship for a long period,” SAG said in its agenda note.
Associations, run by office bearers who serve in an honorary capacity and receive no remuneration for their work, are livid and said the proposal treats them as facility users rather than as partners implementing state policy, which could weaken their institutional capacity.
“These events are not organised for any personal or commercial interest; they are conducted solely for the benefit of athletes who represent the State team. If associations are forced to cut down on camps due to financial pressure, it is the athletes who will ultimately suffer,” said Furtado.
Goa Triathlon Association secretary Nisha Madgavkar also raised similar concerns, arguing that access to sport must be made easier, not more expensive, particularly at a time when children are increasingly drawn towards cell phones and screens.
“Participation, competition and the opportunity to represent teams remain powerful motivators for young athletes, and financial barriers could push children further away from sport,” said Madgavkar, a former national swimming champion and now an Ironwoman.
Concerns have also been raised over proposals allowing SAG coaches to be deputed for officiating duties for up to 45 days a year.
“Coaches are appointed to train athletes, not to routinely abandon training centres to officiate competitions. Instead of strengthening supervision and accountability, the policy legitimises absence and disrupts athlete preparation,” said Heble.
The govt has been asked to review the proposed measures and evolve a revised, balanced policy framework.