Dr Sandeep Martin Warlikar recounts the memorable journey of three decades through his days as a basketball player, then the coach and now armed with a doctorate; the ‘Doctor of Philosophy in Sports Coaching’ is training his sights on playing a role in bringing in reforms in the Goan sports sector.
Having been awarded the Ph.D by Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University in the presence of Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur amongst other dignitaries, Dr Sandeep also emphasises on the inspiration provided by Goa Sports Minister, Govind Gaude. “Sir, has been an inspiration to me in the last 10 months, ever since I have been attached to his office. God could not have served me with a better platform to serve sports than to be attached to the SMO,” says Dr Sandeep, who has an M.Sc Sports Coaching (Gold Medal) from Punjabi University Patiala.
“Reforms is a continuous process and is the most important aspect of bringing about a realistic, constructive and transformative change in whatever field it may be, and it’s no different for sports. The Goans are highly literate, whether Ph.Ds or not. But, having a forum to streamline various schemes and policies is already in the pipeline,” asserted Dr Sandeep, who has completed two NIS Certificate Courses in Kerala (topper in both), NIS Diploma in Patiala (Second-Topper).
Flashback to the Year 1993, Dr Sandeep joined Sports Authority of Goa. “It all began with small dreams that simply got bigger and here I am. And, for sure I can certainly say, I am just about half-way through – both in ‘achieving’ and ‘contributing’,” he said.
According to Dr Sandeep, the ‘sports ecosystem’ needs to change to bring about effectivity in ‘Sports Coaching’. And for this to be a reality, “Thorough professionals, sports scientists, sports science Labs, scientific identification of talent, data analysis of world-class athletes, longer training hours, scientific sports training and competition calendar” are some of the key factors to drive the change.
“The SMO along with the SAG and DSYA Officers are in cohesion and methodically working towards achieving the above goals under the guidance of Sir Govind Gaude,” stated Dr Sandeep as Goa gears up for the historic feat of organising National Games.
Having seen changing eras where sports have evolved holistically, what’s Dr Sandeep’s take on the current scenario? He says: “Goan Sports’ is on the right track now. It’s got the momentum, we all just need to push harder for the ball to get rolling. Areas of importance for overall boost to ‘Goan Sports’ would be the vision that has been envisaged by the Sports Minister himself. It involves the following steps – Focusing on Centres of Excellence, Residential Sports School, Better travel facilities to athletes, at least 3 tier AC, Longer duration pre-National Camps, Awareness and Job opportunities to meritorious sportspersons, Govt. reservations for jobs to Sportspersons, Scientific traning and methodologies, Improvisation of infrastructure and equipment used, Counseling of both – the athletes and the parents to encourage support from home, Overall development of the Sportsperson, including insurance policies and safeguarding his or her future.”
Not without blessings and support does progress happen and rightly so, Dr Sandeep recognised the family, his school Don Bosco HS – Panaji, Ph. D guide Dr. R Subramanian (TNPESU), Sports Minister Govind Gaude, Executive Director Dr. Geeta Nagvenkar, Ex ED VM Prabhudesai, Director Coaching Bruno Coutinho and all colleagues from SAG and DSYA for all the encouragement.
