PORVORIM: When Brahmanand Shankhwalkar was around 16 years old and in love with football, his life was to change in the due course after Antonio Botelho’s “intuition or foresight” saw him provide the teenage goalkeeper, opportunities to display his talent. The Arjuna Awardee and now the first Goan sportsperson to be bestowed the Padma Shri honour, recounted the contribution of his ‘mentor’ in the historic journey.
Former India goalkeeper Brahmanand, who is just six days short of his 68th birthday, spoke to Livenewsgoa.com after playing in a senior citizens football match organised by North Goa senior citizens football club as a fitting celebration of his glorious achievements.
Brahmanand, who is the chairman of Goa Football Development Council, was felicitated by chief guest Antonio Botelho on the occasion. “The man who had picked me at the age of 15 and a half from a field to play in an Exhibition match at Saligao, is himself here to honour me today. This is the biggest thing for me,” said the Indian football legend.
Former India international Armando Colaco, Special Olympics Bharat sports director Victor Vaz among others, graced the event.
