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

How the teams qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

 

How the teams qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

Media Release

The biggest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in history will include more teams and more matches than ever before.

For the first time, 20 nations will take to the stage and battle for world glory in the United States and West Indies across 55 matches and four weeks of thrilling action.

You may be familiar with the teams but here is a refresher on how they got here.

The hosts

West Indies and USA earned automatic entry as the host nations, with the latter set to play in the tournament for the first time.

Two-time winners West Indies will host the competition for the second time after staging the 2010 showpiece which saw England beat Australia in the final.

Just as in 2010, the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, will host this year’s final.

Top eight from 2022

The top eight teams from the last ICC Men’s T20 World Cup all ensured automatic qualification to the tournament’s ninth edition.

In Australia, England recorded their second triumph as Ben Stokes steered his side to victory with the bat after Player of the Tournament Sam Curran helped restrict runners-up Pakistan to 137 in the final.

Beaten semi-finalists India and New Zealand also secured entry for 2024. India will be looking to build on their 50-over triumph last year while the Black Caps will be hoping to add their name to the trophy for the first time.

The sides which finished third and fourth in the Super 12 groups also achieved qualification. Those four teams are former winners Australia and Sri Lanka, two-time semi-finalists South Africa, and Netherlands, who achieved their best T20 World Cup finish last time round.

Team rankings

Afghanistan and Bangladesh are included due to their status as the next two highest teams in the T20I rankings.

The Tigers came close to a couple of shock victories last time out and will be hoping to build on that, while the likes of Rashid Khan and Qais Ahmad will be tapping into their experiences in the US franchise tournament, Major League Cricket, to aid their team’s cause.

The qualifiers

The remaining eight spots were determined by regional qualifiers with Ireland and Scotland coming through the European section.

Scotland hosted the regional finals in July 2023 and powered through the group stages unbeaten, joined by Ireland thanks in no small part to a crucial seven run victory over Italy.

The East Asia-Pacific qualifiers took place at the same time and Papua New Guinea also recorded a perfect run to reach their second T20 World Cup.

Canada emerged from the Americas qualifier, sneaking past Bermuda on net run rate to reach the main event for the first time.

Nepal and Oman qualified in Asia, defeating UAE and Bahrain respectively in the last four before sharing a thrilling final which Oman claimed after a Super Over.

The final country to secure their place in the 20-team line-up was Uganda. The Cricket Cranes usurped regional powerhouse Zimbabwe for their first-ever T20I win over a full-member team en route to their first T20 World Cup.

Namibia were the other side to qualify from the Africa Qualifier, having previously played in the 2021 and 2022 editions.

Telugu Sports Association Qatar sets record by hosting women’s cricket tournament in Doha

 

Telugu Sports Association Qatar sets record by hosting women’s cricket tournament in Doha

 

Doha, Qatar: The Telugu Sports Association Qatar (TSA) is pleased to announce the successful completion of its Women's Cricket Tournament. The tournament took place on May 5th, 2023 at the Cric Qatar grounds in Doha with 6 teams participating in it.

The TSA Women's Cricket Tournament was the first of its kind in the region, and it aimed to provide a platform for women cricketers to showcase their skills and talent. The tournament featured six cricket teams from across the region, who competed in a knock out format. The matches were played with soft tennis ball and hundreds of people gathered to witness the matches.

After intense matches, the team from Al Khor emerged as the champions of the tournament. The runners-up were Doha Dare Devils team from Doha, who put up an excellent fight in the final. The TSA commends all the teams for their hard work and dedication, and for making the tournament a resounding success.

The TSA Women's Cricket Tournament was organized with flexible rules considering that most of the women were playing for the first time, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants. The tournament received an overwhelming response from cricket enthusiasts across the region, who came out in large numbers to support the teams and enjoy the matches.

Mr. Sridhar Abbagoni, President of the Telugu Sports Association, expressed his delight at the success of the tournament, saying, "We are extremely proud to have hosted this tournament, which provided a platform for female cricketers to showcase their skills and passion for the sport. We hope that this tournament will inspire more girls to take up cricket and pursue their dreams."

Speaking on the occasion Syed Rafi the vice president of TSA said, Women's Cricket Tournament is a testament to the commitment of the Telugu Sports Association to promote sports and encourage participation in sports among all sections of society. The TSA plans to organize more such tournaments in the future, and looks forward to continuing its efforts to promote sports and healthy living.

Mr. Adbul Rahman EP the president of Indian Sports Centre was the chief guest and he said that Cricket is a team sport that requires coordination and cooperation among players. Playing cricket can help women to develop essential teamwork and leadership skills such as communication, decision-making, and problem-solving. He gave away the trophies to the winner and runner ups along with medals to the captains of the participating teams. He also said by looking at the great response towards women’s cricket, soon ISC will work out on providing free cricket coaching for women.  For her excellent performance Ms. Gowri the captain of Al Khor team was adjust woman of the tournament and was presented with a Gold Medal.

Addressing the gathering K S Prasad an eminent telugu personality from Qatar said, that Cricket can be a challenging sport, requiring players to push themselves beyond their limits and learn from their mistakes. By participating in cricket, women can develop their resilience, self-discipline, and confidence, which can help them to achieve success in other areas of their lives and he expressed happiness in seeing so many women turnout for the match.

For conducting any tournament successfully you need to have a good team and in this regard Telugu Sports Association Qatar is blessed to have passionate people who made this tournament a grand success, the members behind the success of the tournament apart from the President and Vice President are Mrs. Rajani, Mrs. Swapna, Mrs. Mallika, Sharath Babu, Soma Raju, Santosh Kumar and Yellaiah, said Mr. K S Prasad. The breakfast for the event was provided by Konaseema restaurant and Syed Rafi thanked Mudassir for their usual support and the water bottles for the matches were provided by Joy Alukas.

Satyanarayana Malireddy from ICC managing committee said that conducting such kind of tournament is not an easy task and he appreciated the efforts put in by TSA members towards organising it successfully.

The other dignitaries who were present during the matches from ISC were Nihaad Mohamed Ali General Secretary, Deepak Chukkala – Head of Cricket, Trupti Kale, Purushottam and Shankar Goud from ICBF.

 

Cric Qatar launches mega cricket tournament with 44 teams

 

Cric Qatar launches mega cricket tournament with 44 teams

Doha, Qatar - Cric Qatar highly anticipated cricket mega league tournament with an unprecedented 44 teams from across Qatar participating in the event begin on May 5.

The tournament is the biggest cricket competitions in the country and will showcase some of the best cricketing talent in the region.

The Cric Qatar Cricket League tournament will be held across various venues in the country, with matches taking place on weekends. The tournament will feature teams from various parts of Qatar, including Doha, Al Khor, Al Wakra, and more.

Cric Qatar is dedicated to promoting cricket in Qatar and providing a platform for talented cricketers to showcase their skills. The league is designed to be inclusive and diverse, welcoming players from all backgrounds and skill levels.

"We are thrilled to launch this exciting tournament with 44 teams from across Qatar," said a Syed Rafi Chairman of Cric Qatar.

"Cricket has always been a popular sport in the country, and we believe this tournament will help promote the sport further and encourage more people to take up cricket."

The Cric Qatar Cricket League tournament promises to be an exciting event for cricket fans across Qatar, with teams battling it out for the coveted title. The league will also provide an opportunity for players to showcase their skills, with the best performers likely to be recognised.

Pearling Sports Academy to begin operations from September 1 in Al Mansoura

 

Pearling Sports Academy to begin operations from September 1 in Al Mansoura

New venture offers coaching in seven sports, besides ballet and Zumba

 

Doha: A new sports academy in Qatar will be offering seven sports coaching for children under one roof at Pearling Season School in Doha, it was announced on Sunday.

A sister franchise of Stallions Sports Academy, the leading and largest cricket Academy in Doha, Pearling Sports Academy will be beginning operations from September 1 in Al Mansoura, officials of the academy informed.

Stallions Sports began Qatar operations in 2013 led by ICC level 3 qualified coach Sidath Tennakoon at Iranian School in Abu Hamour with cricket as their core game.

Stallions new venture is in a bid to spread out its wings and groom future sports talent in different disciplines.

“When we started our sporting journey in Qatar we started with just cricket as we have progressed over the years, we saw there was a need for more professional coaching in various other disciplines’,” said Ashan Perera, who is the Chief operating officer of Stallions Cricket Academy and one of the several people who got together to provide a platform for people in Qatar to train in cricket.

“It is time to branch out and give children a chance to play and training other sports,” he added.

At Pearling Sports Academy, besides Zumba and ballet, the sports disciplines included are Indoor cricket, football, basketball, gymnastics, kick boxing, swimming and taekwondo.

“We have some experienced coaches drawn from various countries and having a lot of experience, so the parents will be entrusting their children in the hands of qualified coaches,” said Perera.

He informed that on 4th September Pearling Sports Academy will be hosting an Open Day from 3pm to 8pm, wherein children can visit the academy and try their hands at different sports.

Perera also added that two more sports, badminton and football, coaching programs will be available for children at Iranian school in Abu Hamour.

“We plan to have many sports tours and sports events besides camps in the cards in future while the situation turns to normal,” said Perera.

Besides the opportunity for children, both the venues are open for public, which they can renting depending on their needs to get themselves fit and indulge in their favourite sports at a leisurely pace, said Perera.

Interested people who want to enroll for coaching or renting of the Pearling Sports Academy can call 974 7760 0873 or 974 7002 5333. To contact Stallions Cricket Academy at Iranian School call 974 31408994 or 974 33425660.

More information about the Stallions Sports Academy can be found at www.stallionsqatar.com

 

 

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