As the nomination period drew to a close on April 12, the Goa Badminton Association (GBA) gears up for a transformative change in leadership. A dynamic new Executive Committee is poised to take the reins, with a fresh team of experienced administrators ready to guide the association to new heights. The new committee is scheduled to commence its tenure from April 21, 2024.
The incoming Executive Committee is set to be headed by Manoj Patil as President, bringing together a blend of experienced professionals and passionate sports enthusiasts. Joining Patil are key office-bearers which will include Praveen Shenoy as Secretary, Sanjay Bhobe as Treasurer, Aniket Redkar as Joint-Secretary, and Parag Chauhan as Joint-Treasurer.
In addition to the core office bearers, the committee will boast a lineup of Vice-Presidents composed of Santosh George, Harshad Dhond, Vrushali Cardozo, and Swapnil Nachinolkar. Furthermore, the Executive Committee will be bolstered by prominent members such as Nikhil Prabhu Moye, Wayne Fernandes, Naveed Tahsildar, Arnold Rodrigues, Darwin Barreto, Yeshwant Desai, and former India number one junior shuttler, Anushka Kuvelkar.
Manoj Patil, an avid sports promoter and former Goa cricketer, brings in a wealth of experience to the role of President. His commitment to public service, exemplified through his association with Rotary, Jaycees, and BNI, coupled with his tenure as President of the North Goa District Badminton Association, positions him as a visionary administrator poised to drive positive change within the GBA.
Praveen Shenoy, renowned for his fresh initiatives such as the Ultimate Badminton League, has been instrumental in fostering a vibrant badminton community in Goa over the past four years. His appointment as Secretary underscores the committee’s dedication to innovation and grassroots development.
Sanjay Bhobe, a stalwart in both the banking sector as the Bank Manager of Bicholim Urban Bank and in sports promotion, will bring financial acumen and passion for sports to the role of Treasurer.
“The election process has adhered strictly to the sports code, ensuring transparency, accountability and change,” remarked Sandeep Heble, the outgoing GBA Secretary. “With 12 out of 16 members being new faces, the committee embodies fresh perspectives and a commitment to inclusivity, with representation from both athletes and women.
“Our earlier committee took initial steps to make badminton one of the most vibrant and active sports disciplines in Goa. We faced many challenges and hurdles along the way, but I am confident the new committee will overcome these. There are dynamic faces who are sure to raise the bar much higher and bring about a revolution in badminton in Goa,” Heble added.
Mahesh Candolkar, President of the Goa Chess Association, is the returning officer for the elections, while Jayesh Naik, Vice-President of Goa Olympic Association, is the GOA Observer. The election meeting is slated to take place on April 21, 2024, at Hotel Manoshanti, Panaji.
