Sports Minister Govind Gaude felicitated educational trust, Vidya Vikas Mandal’s 151 outstanding student sportspersons at the annual Sports Achievers Awards Day function recently in Margao. Gaude also urged the students to pursue the field of sports with passion, for career opportunities.
Under the umbrella of Vidya Vikas Mandal; Shree Damodar College of Commerce and Economics, GR Kare College of Law, RMS Higher Secondary School and Vidya Vikas Academy CBSE School students have been excelling at various state and national sports events. To keep their motivation high, Sports Minister Gaude advised the students to prepare to their maximum ability in order to get the result.
“Only with passion can you get the desired result! That is because, the intensity in you will not allow failure to stop your pursuit. You will come back stronger and hunt the gold medal,” boomed the Sports Minister, who also reiterated that he is keen to bring Sports Sciences University in Goa.
Padma Shri Brahmanand Shankhwalkar raised concern about the children dropping out from sports training and aimed to counsel the parents to be aware of the growing career opportunities in sports field rather than foreseeing limited scope due to prejudices. The Arjuna Awardee urged the budding sportspersons to give their best at all times.
On the occasion, a panel discussion was held on the topic of ‘pursuit of excellence in sports’ with India wind-foiler Katya Coelho, ex-Ranji Trophy cricketer Aditya Angle, para-TT national silver medallist Lloyd Fernandes and chess prodigy Ethan vaz, all enlightening the gathering about the drive and discipline required to make it to the podium at any level. The discussion was moderated by sports promoter Niraj Prabhu.
Earlier, the chairman of Sports Council of Vidya Vikas Mandal, Vikram Verlekar welcomed the gathering. Member-Secretary, Durgesh Prabhugaonkar presented the Vote of Thanks.
