Tribal sportspersons get shot in the arm with new scheme

Porvorim: Tribal sportspersons whose talent often get lost for want of support can now rely on a new scheme announced by chief minister Pramod Sawant during his budget speech on Friday.

Titled ‘Eklavya Khedgadi Protsahan Yojana’, a provision of Rs 50 lakh has been made for this initiative.


“To support talented sportspersons from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community in Goa who can receive training at reputed sports academies and centres across India, govt proposes to launch a new scheme,” Sawant said on Friday.

There has been increased focus on tribal sportspersons recently with sports minister Ramesh Tawadkar taking the ninth edition of the State-Level Tribal Sports Festival to his home constituency of Canacona. The three-day festival, jointly organised by Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) in collaboration with the directorate of sports and youth affairs (DSYA), has been in place since 2011 with the ninth edition held earlier this year.

The Tribal Sports Festival endeavours promoting sports among the tribal youth.

“The talent in Goa is unbelievable, and these sports festivals help bring talent to the fore,” said director of sports, Ajay Gaude. “Our aim through the new scheme is to support as many tribal sportspersons as possible and provide top support to sportspersons who can move to the next level. Recently we had success at the Khelo India Tribal National Games.”

Interestingly, 18 athletes from Goa attended the Second Stage Selection trials at the first Khelo India Tribal National Games 2026 at Ranchi with 17 of them making it to the Games finals in Chhattisgarh.

The athletes took part in 4x400m relay, hurdles, 5000m run, shot put, long jump and 10km walk.

“The recent performances of our athletes showed that talent is not in short supply. These athletes did well at the National level without enough support. Imagine what they can do if there is systematic coaching,” said Gaude.

The chief minister also announced that local clubs and sports associations will now have access to sports facilities.

“To strengthen the sports ecosystem in the state and ensure better utilisation of indoor and outdoor grounds and stadiums, govt proposes to allow local clubs and sports associations to use sports facilities in their respective areas,” said Sawant.

Renovation and development works will also be undertaken this financial year at several sports facilities, including the sports complex at Marcaim, football ground at Sao Jose de Areal, village school ground at Curtorim, jogging track at Fatorda, school playground at Sancoale, sports ground at Cacora and school ground at Cavorim at a total expenditure of Rs 33.8 crore.