The Goa Olympic Association (GOA) is set for the election of its office bearers for the 2026-2030 term, with polling scheduled for August 25. Addressing a press conference at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Miramar, Secretary General Gurudatta Bhakta said the Association is fully proceeding under the Sports Act, 2025, and that both he and GOA President and North Goa MP Shripad Naik would demit office after the completion of their tenure. Bhakta said High Court Advocate Vithal Naik has been appointed as the Returning Officer and is conducting the election process in a free, fair and transparent manner.
The election calendar has already been notified, with publication of the Electoral College on August 9, filing of nominations on August 15, scrutiny on August 17, withdrawal of nominations on August 19, publication of the final list of candidates on August 22, and polling on August 25. The newly-elected office-bearers will assume charge immediately after the declaration of results during the Annual General Body Meeting.
GOA Treasurer Jayesh Naik outlined the Association’s plans for the proposed Olympic Bhavan, which will come up on approximately 10,000 square metres of land in Tiswadi Taluka. Thanking Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant for his continued support towards the project, Naik said the Association had hoped to lay the foundation stone during the tenure of the present executive committee, but the ceremony would now take place once the newly elected committee assumes office. The Olympic Bhavan is envisioned as a landmark sports complex featuring a multipurpose indoor arena capable of hosting national-level competitions, besides housing the offices of the Goa Olympic Association and its affiliated State Sports Associations.GOA Vice-President Raju Mangeshkar emphasised that the appointment of qualified coaches across various sports disciplines would be vital for strengthening grassroots development, nurturing young talent and ensuring sustained sporting excellence in the State.
Bhakta further announced that all pending documentation relating to the National Games has now been completed, with the affiliated State Sports Associations submitting their utilisation certificates. He expressed his gratitude to former Sports Minister Govind Gaude and former Sports Authority of Goa Executive Director Dr Geeta Nagvenkar for their immense support during the successful hosting of the National Games, and also thanked Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, Sports Minister Dr Ramesh Tawadkar and Sports Authority of Goa Executive Director Dr Ajay Gaude for their assistance in facilitating the completion of the pending documentation. Explaining the delay, Bhakta said some associations had engaged self-help groups and submitted non-GST bills, which were initially not accepted by the Sports Authority of Goa but were subsequently permitted after mutual discussions. With the submission of all utilisation certificates, the Association has now completed National Games-related compliance requirements.
