The Goa Cricket Association (GCA) has taken another significant step towards strengthening grassroots cricket development in the state by inaugurating a new coaching centre at the Panchayat Ground in Savoi-Verem. The initiative has been launched in association with the Madanant Cricket Club and aims to provide structured training and opportunities to young aspiring cricketers, particularly from rural areas.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of several prominent members of the cricketing community, including GCA Secretary Tulshidas Shetye, Vice-President Paresh Fadte, Joint Secretary Anant Shambu Naik, former GCA President Vipul Phadke, and Madanant Cricket Club Secretary Hemant Kansar, along with other dignitaries and local supporters.
Speaking at the event, Tulshidas Shetye highlighted GCA’s continued commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting cricket at the grassroots level. He emphasised that the association has provided quality infrastructure, including coaching support, and encouraged young players to make the most of the opportunity. He expressed hope that the centre would soon produce players capable of representing Savoi-Verem in various age-group categories, including U-14, U-16, U-19, and senior teams.
Joint Secretary Anant Shambu Naik reiterated the association’s broader vision to expand its grassroots network across Goa. He revealed that the GCA has already established around 20 coaching centres and introduced two dedicated ‘pink centres’, with plans to launch more in the future. He encouraged budding cricketers to focus on mastering the basics and to remain committed to regular practice.
Providing insight into the early response, Hemant Kansar stated that the centre, which began operations in March, has already enrolled around 19 young players, with expectations of increased participation from nearby areas. He expressed gratitude to the GCA for providing essential facilities such as nets and a pitch, and noted the growing enthusiasm among local youth. Kansar also shared the club’s aspiration of seeing players from Savoi-Verem rise to represent the state and even feature in prestigious tournaments like the IPL.
Former club president Pramod Bandodkar highlighted the challenges faced by aspiring cricketers from economically weaker backgrounds, noting that financial constraints often limit opportunities. He expressed optimism that the new initiative and the support from the GCA would help bridge this gap and provide a platform for talented youngsters to pursue their cricketing dreams.
The launch of the coaching centre marks a positive step towards inclusive sports development in Goa, reinforcing the GCA’s vision of identifying and nurturing talent from every corner of the state.
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