PANAJI: Goans Hockey President Mr Churchill Alemao disclosed on Friday that he had accepted the challenge to revive the national sport of hockey in Goa. “Hockey is our national sport and it is my dream to see that India regains its lost glory and it is also my vision to build a strong national team for Goa,” stated Mr Alemao at a press conference.

The Minister for PWD also disclosed that he intends to take hockey down to rural level and school level as Goans Hockey is aimed at exploring local talent at the rural level, that needs to be channelised.
“I have a very efficient team of ex-hockey players who are very enthusiastic and serious in promoting the game,” added Mr Alemao. He further highlighted that a coaching camp was held in his own constituency in Navelim and that 20 hockey sticks were distributed to three schools - Navelim’s Perpetual Succour Convent, Rosary School and Rosary Higher Secondary School.
“I am confident that the physical education teachers will strive hard to motivate and train the children and give us six teams of boys and girls,” Mr Alemao stated adding that he would forward two proposals for astro turf surfaces for playing hockey at Fatorda stadium and at Peddem Complex, Mapusa.
Mr Alemao also thanked the Goa Olympic Association president Mr Subhash Shirodkar and secretary general, Mr Gurudatta Bhakta for their cooperation in forming Goans Hockey. “I also thank Hockey India for giving us the required affiliation in spite of the moves to block it. I thank Dr Susana de Sousa, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs and Mr V M Prabhudesai, Executive Director of SAG in rendering all the assistance to Goans Hockey,” Mr Alemao said in acknowledgement.
Mr Alemao said he appealed to all the hockey lovers to unite in the interest of Goa and Goans. “Let us build hockey in our state. Our ancestors had played this game with much vigour. I am sure that my team is an efficient team and we will move forward in achieving great progress year after year,” Mr Alemao added.
Divulging further on Goans Hockey vision, Mr Alemao said: “In May we will conduct a camp at Valpoi for students.” “We have decided to call a meeting of physical education teachers of schools and colleges. We will be motivating them to train students and to promote hockey in their own way. Mr Mario Moraes and Mr Augustine Antao will be in-charge of this project,” informed Mr Alemao. Besides, an umpires’ clinic
will also be held by seeking the expertise of Hockey India.