State Sports Associations welcome SAG's Recent Initiatives to Streamline Coaching and Strengthen Accountability

State Sports Associations welcome SAG's Recent Initiatives to Streamline Coaching and Strengthen Accountability
 
Synopsis: Recent Initiatives by the Sports Authority of Goa to Streamline Coaching and Strengthen Accountability

The Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), under the leadership of the Hon’ble Sports Minister of Goa, Shri Govind Gaude, and Executive Director Dr. Geeta Nagvenkar, has initiated a series of significant steps aimed at improving the functioning of its Coaching Section. These efforts are intended to bring greater professionalism, accountability, and transparency in the system, while ensuring effective use of public funds and better outcomes for athletes. The key initiatives are as follows:

Surprise Inspections of Coaching Centres:
As per Memorandum dated 4th April 2025, Dr. Sandeep Warlikar, In-charge of the Coaching Section, has been assigned the responsibility to conduct surprise inspections at SAG’s Regular Coaching Centres across Goa. These inspections are to be conducted periodically, with reports submitted to the Executive Director, ensuring on-ground verification of coaching activities.

Stricter Leave Protocols for Coaches:
A subsequent Memorandum dated 9th April 2025 mandates that leave applications of coaches must be thoroughly assessed by the Director (Coaching), who must provide valid reasons and also confirm the availability of alternate arrangements to avoid disruption of regular training. Furthermore, in cases where coaches are spared for tournaments, attendance certificates from the concerned Associations are now mandatory, failing which the absence will be treated as unauthorised.

Initial Findings from Surprise Checks:
In the days following the above directives, initial surprise checks revealed that in a few training centres, trainee numbers ranged from 0 to less than 7. Explanations have been sought from the coaches concerned, highlighting the importance of regular engagement and attendance of trainees.

Release of Model Guidelines and Code of Ethics for Coaches:
SAG has released a comprehensive Code of Ethics and Guidelines for its coaches, covering aspects such as punctuality, work discipline, training registers, movement logs, reporting formats, and overall professional conduct. This is a significant step towards building a structured and disciplined coaching environment.

Need for a Robust Monitoring System:
While many coaches are working diligently, the presence of frequent complaints and dwindling trainee strength in certain disciplines has necessitated the creation of a more robust and transparent system. These measures aim to ensure optimal use of public funds and safeguard the interests of athletes.

Support from State Sports Associations:
Several State Sports Associations, including the Goa Badminton Association and the Goa Table Tennis Association, have welcomed and appreciated these reforms. They have also called for closer collaboration with SAG to conduct joint reviews, strengthen coaching infrastructure, and elevate Goa’s sporting standards to the national level.

Enclosed: Copies of SAG Memorandums
Copies of letters from Goa Badminton Association and Goa TT Association, welcoming the SAG reforms and initiatives

Yours sincerely
Sandeep Heble
Media coordinator for Goa TT Association and Goa Badminton Association

9326129171

 

Urgent Need for Revamp in the Coaching and Monitoring Section of SAG

 

From

Sandeep Heble
Former Secretary, Goa Badminton Association
Joint Secretary, Goa RTI Forum

Mob – 9326129171

Email – sandeepheble@gmail.com

 

 

To,

The Honourable Chief Minister of Goa and President (Ex-Officio), the Sports Authority of Goa

The Honourable Sports Minister of Goa and Vice President (Ex-Officio), the Sports Authority of Goa

The Secretary Sports, Government of Goa

The Executive Director, the Sports Authority of Goa

 

Subject: Urgent Need for Revamp in the Coaching and Monitoring Section of SAG

 

Dear Sir/Madam,

 

I write to you in my capacity as the former Secretary of the Goa Badminton Association and Joint Secretary of the Goa RTI Forum to bring to your attention the pressing need for a comprehensive revamp of the Coaching and Monitoring Section of the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), currently headed by Mr. Bruno Coutinho, Director Coaching.

 

The lack of a robust performance monitoring system within this department for long standing years has led to severe defects and inefficiencies and is significantly impacting the growth of sports in the state.

 

Key Flaws in the Existing System

No Supervisory Mechanism: There is no structured supervisory framework to monitor the performance and activities of coaches, leading to poor outcomes in many sports disciplines.

No Performance Audits: Coaches’ performance is not subjected to regular audits, leaving room for lack of accountability. There is no distinction being drawn between sincere hardworking coaches and the lethargic non-working coaches.  

No Reporting System: A transparent and systematic reporting mechanism to address issues and evaluate progress is completely absent. No surprise checks are being conducted.

No Training Methodology Updates: Upgradation of coaching skills and knowledge in line with modern training methodologies is missing and there is no mandatory mechanism to ensure that coaches bring their training in line with modern scientific training.

No Feedback Mechanism: Players, parents, and stakeholders do not have a platform to share feedback on coaching quality, which hampers quality control.

No Involvement of State Sports Associations: Local sports associations, which are crucial stakeholders, are not being consulted or involved in the coaching or coach monitoring process.

Non-Utilisation of Technology: Digital tools for attendance, performance tracking, and real-time monitoring are not being properly utilized to enhance efficiency.

No Grassroots Engagement: Coaches are not actively engaging with schools and communities to scout and nurture young talent.

No Clear Goals or KPIs: Coaches are not given clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or specific goals, resulting in vague expectations and unmeasured outcomes.

No Accountability for Mismanagement: Inefficiencies in the system are not addressed, and those responsible for lapses are not held accountable.

No Action on Lack of Trainees: Despite evident issues of underperformance, such as lack of trainees, no remedial measures have been taken.

 

Example of the Table Tennis Coaching Situation

The case of the SAG Table Tennis coach at Panaji, Mr. Amit Naik, serves as a glaring example of these systemic failures. Despite being transferred from Chicalim to Panaji for lack of performance, the situation has not improved. Currently, Mr. Naik has only 1-2 trainees under him at the Panaji center. In stark contrast, other centres such as Don Bosco Oratory in the same city have over 50 trainees flourishing under dedicated coaching.

 

This matter has been repeatedly brought to the notice of the Director of Coaching, Mr. Bruno Coutinho, but no corrective action has been taken.  Such negligence not only discourages sincere coaches but also demotivates talented players who lack proper guidance and end up leaving the sport.

 

Proposed Measures for Improvement

To address these issues, the following measures are proposed:

Establish a Supervisory Panel: Constitute a dedicated supervisory panel to oversee coaching activities and ensure accountability, with efficient administrative officers who can successfully implement reforms and measures.

Conduct Regular Performance Audits: Introduce quarterly performance evaluations for all coaches along with meetings with Association representatives.

Implement a Transparent Reporting System: Create a mechanism for players, parents, and associations to report issues and provide feedback.

Upgrade Coaches’ Training: Organize mandatory training programs to update coaches on modern techniques and methodologies.

Involve State Sports Associations: Actively engage local associations in the monitoring, and evaluation of coaches.

Adopt Technology: Utilize digital tools for tracking attendance, monitoring performance, and evaluating progress.

Engage in Grassroots Development: Assign coaches specific responsibilities for grassroots outreach and talent scouting. Depute coaches to the Associations which are willing to carry out such grassroots programmes.

Set Clear KPIs: Define measurable goals and KPIs for each coach to ensure accountability.

Recognize and Reward Excellence: Establish a reward system for high-performing coaches to motivate others, grading the coaches as per the Sports discipline.

Enforce Accountability: Take strict action against underperforming coaches and ensure transparency in the handling of such cases.

 

In conclusion, the SAG’s Coaching and Monitoring Section needs urgent restructuring to promote accountability, encourage sincere coaches, and foster a conducive environment for sporting excellence.

 

If Goa needs to establish itself as a top sporting hub, the current state of affairs within the SAG's Coaching and Monitoring Section requires immediate and urgent attention. A proper brainstorming and overhaul of the whole system is the need of the hour. 

 

I urge you to take immediate steps to address these concerns and streamline the system for the betterment of sports in Goa.

 

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I remain available for any further discussion or assistance in implementing these reforms.

Enclosed: Photograph of Amit Naik, SAG Table Tennis coach at Campal, with only one trainee in attendance.

 

Yours sincerely,

Sandeep Heble
Former Secretary, Goa Badminton Association

Joint Secretary, Goa RTI Forum

Pilar Fathers along with ODA Grassroots FA and Bidesh XI SC organizing Football camp in Sattari

 Pilar Fathers along with ODA Grassroots FA and Bidesh XI SC organizing Football camp in Sattari

Panjim:  There is a lot of sporting talent in Sattari taluka especially it comes to football and hockey, which over the years have not been tapped but things are changing thanks to the initiative of the Pilar Fathers who are very much interested to tap the talent and promote them at every given opportunity.

The Pilar Fathers, who have a full fledge hockey youth development programme for school children in Honda area have now ventured into football and what better way to kick start the journey with a summer coaching camp for boys who have completed their board exams.

“There are some 35 boys who are attending the camp, these children have answered their 10th and 12th exams...they have good talent but have not learnt football under any coaches so their fundamentals are weak, so the camp is to correct their basic fundamentals,” said Fr George Nandiyala of the Pilar Fathers.

Pilar Fathers Sports for youth development in collaboration with ODA Grassroots Football Academy and Bidesh XI Sports Club are organizing the summer football camp with the help of Honda sarpanch Shivdas Madkar, informed Fr George.

The significant feature of the Pilar Fathers hockey program, which caters to both boys and girls, is taking care of the school studies of the trainees with tuition classes arranged for them before their training session so that they do not lag behind in their academic studies.

For the records, Fr George played football and hockey at the college level and got his initial football coaching s lessons in Cuncolim.

“The camp took me to my younger days when we used to train under coach levino Dias and other coaches at Poitomaddo ground Cuncolim,” recalled Fr Geroge, who did his school studies in Our Lady of Health Cuncolim.

Fr George said that there are no football academies in Sattari and players from the taluka seldom get a chance to play for any the top clubs from the state.

“This camp will hopefully be attended by the talent scouts of the some of the big clubs of Goa and they will be selected for some of the big clubs of Goa, “hoped Fr George.

“The camp will also help us to scout good players also and at the end of the camp there will be league organised among the players on March 29,” added Fr George.

Mohammed Rizlan back in the Qatar squad for ICC T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier B in Doha

 Mohammed Rizlan back in the Qatar squad for  ICC T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier B in Doha

 

Mohammed Rizlan back in the Qatar squad for  ICC T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier B in Doha after a gap of more than one year.

 

In the two matches, he has failed to impress scoring in single digits (1 and 6) against Thailand and Bhutan and  but the 39-year-old will fight back in the remaining matches.

 

He last played for Qatar in April 2023.

 

Turn back and this is what we had said when he was dropped after the April 2023 tournament.

Is Mohammed Rizlan dropped from the Qatar team?????

Rizlan captained the Qatar team in the last tournament Hopefully cricket fans have not seen the last of the 38-year-old.

If Himashu Rathod can make his debut at 36 and won the man of the match award then Rizlan can certain live up to the expectations of the fans

Age is certainly not a criteria to drop him, if has been dropped on those grounds or is that something which is not known to us, only Rizlan and the selectors know.

Mind you Mohammed Tanveer at aged 42 is the oldest player in the team and was the top scorer in the Qatar innings against Bahrain and how he made it to the team is another untold story.

There are a few Qatar debutants who are in the early 30's who have made his debut in Friday-Saturday T 20 match.

That all for the age ......selections. One needs to honour the players contribution to the game ask him to gracefully step down.....the transition should be smooth, and one of mutual respect.

Hopefully Rizlan will make his bat talk again and prove once again that age does not matter and it is just a number.

So let’s play straight and with the full face of the bat and send the ball all along the carpet past the bowler all the way to the boundary.

Another ball, another innings, another match.....players come and players go,,,,but how we treat them and give them respect is important.

That distinguishes us whether we are gentleman playing the gentlemen's game or something else.