Panaji: Goa is steadily establishing itself as one of India’s premier sporting destinations, with the successful hosting of national and international tournaments significantly boosting the state’s sporting ecosystem, economy, and global recognition, according to Ajay Gaude, Executive Director of the Sports Authority of Goa and Director of Sports and Youth Affairs.
Speaking as the chief guest at the Dream UTT Juniors Season 2 Final held at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Gaude highlighted how marquee sporting events are reshaping Goa’s identity beyond tourism.
“Goa has successfully hosted UTT Season 7 and the Dream UTT Juniors tournament. Our Hon’ble Chief Minister often says that Goa is known not only for its sea, sand and sun, but also for sports. Along with being a premier tourism destination, Goa is now being recognised as a major sports destination. Events of this scale generate economic activity and further strengthen Goa’s identity as a hub for international sporting events,” he said.
Gaude praised Butterfly Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 7 for bringing world-class table tennis to Goa and exposing local audiences to elite international competition.
“UTT has presented table tennis in a completely new light. Spectators have turned up in large numbers to watch world-class competition, and Goa has enjoyed this experience over the past few weeks. With leading international players participating, the tournament has added tremendous value to Indian table tennis while placing Goa prominently on the global sporting map.”
He also emphasised the inspirational value such tournaments provide to aspiring athletes.
“Young players gain immense motivation by watching the country’s best and international athletes compete. During the Dream UTT Juniors tournament, India’s top-ranked Under-15 player was in action, and such exposure can inspire many aspiring players to pursue the sport seriously.”
Highlighting Goa’s growing reputation as a sporting hub, Gaude noted that the state has successfully hosted several prestigious international competitions, including the FIDE World Cup, Ironman, Asian Bridge Championship, Asian Gymnastics Championships, and the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
He said the Government of Goa and the Sports Authority of Goa continue to receive proposals for more global sporting events and remain committed to strengthening the state’s position on the international sporting map.
Speaking about grassroots development, Gaude announced that the Goa Chess Academy will soon be inaugurated and expressed optimism that a dedicated Goa Table Tennis Academy could also become a reality.
“Through our Regular Coaching Classes (RCC) at centres across Goa, including Campal, Margao and Peddem, we are nurturing young talent at the grassroots level. Just as we are establishing the Goa Chess Academy, we can also envision a dedicated Goa Table Tennis Academy. We are also strengthening facilities under the Khelo India Centre of Excellence, where sports such as table tennis, badminton and swimming are being developed further.”
Looking ahead to India’s ambition of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games, Gaude encouraged young athletes to make full use of Goa’s world-class sports infrastructure.
“Sport demands dedication and sustained effort. The Government of Goa has created one of the country’s finest sports infrastructure networks, with modern sports complexes spread across the state. Young athletes should make full use of these facilities to realise their potential. As India works towards hosting the 2036 Olympics, today’s Under-12 and Under-14 athletes could well become the Olympians of tomorrow, provided they remain focused and committed to their goals.”
Gaude’s remarks reflect Goa’s growing commitment to developing sports at every level—from grassroots coaching programmes to hosting world-class international competitions—positioning the state as an emerging global sports destination.
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