PANAJI: Salcete Badminton Club’s month-long Summer badminton coaching camp, got underway at multipurpose stadium, Navelim, on Monday. Sports Minister, Govind Gaude inaugurated the coaching camp, organised in collaboration with Goa Badminton Association (GBA) and the Sports Authority of Goa.
GBA president Narahar Thakur, secretary Sandeep Heble, stadium manager Rajesh Naik, club officials Siddharth Rivonkar (president) and Santosh Lotlikar (secretary) were among those who graced the occasion.
The month-long camp is being conducted by Sharmad Mahajan (Chief Coach) and former Goa State champion Govind Navelkar (NIS Coach). The camp is restricted to 23 young trainees who are working out in three rigorous sessions every day. The camp is designed to tap, exploit, and maximise the trainees’ potential.
Sports Minister, Gaude, who is renowned for his oratory skills, motivated the kids and their parents while promising all necessary support needed for badminton to flourish in Goa.
SBC secretary Santosh Lotlikar elaborated on the club’s objectives and assured to work closely with the GBA to push up the bar of the sport in the state and churn out future champions. SBC president Siddharth Rivonkar projected plans and vision of the club.
Narahar Thakur mentioned the excellent sports infrastructure available in Goa and the need to utilise it to its fullest potential. Sandeep Heble announced the planned tournaments by GBA along with its affiliated units for the upcoming season. “Presently, our summer camps are in progress in 7 centres across Goa. We will host 4 national-level tournaments besides an active state calendar of events. A franchisee-based Professional badminton league will be launched along with taluka, district and state ranking tournaments in various categories,” announced Heble.
Sharmad Mahajan, camp head coach, explained the structure of the coaching camp followed by his vision of raising the standard of badminton in Salcete taluka. Satya Kolwalker, SBC executive committee member, introduced the chief guest, followed by distribution of t-shirts by the Sports Minister to camp trainees. Kunal Kare presented a vote of thanks.
