by Sanatkumar Phadte
Teddy Cardozo, a champion in the Goa athletics circuit, aims to make a big name in the sport. Despite various constraints, Teddy has been able to clinch victories in running events held in the state, the most recent being the ‘Lionathan’ 10km run in Ponda on Sunday.
Teddy represented Goa at the National Games in October 2023, and learnt a lot of lessons that inspire him to work hard.
“It’s quite tough to maintain yourself as an athlete in a state like Goa. If you are hiring a private fitness trainer, coach and a dietician, you have to pay for guidance and training independently and it comes to a whopping great amount which sports enthusiasts like me who come from middle class and lower middle class background can hardly afford. Fr. Fredrick Rodrigues, principal of Father Agnel college of Pilar, helped me in hiring a dietician who guided in following a diet essential for an sportsman or an athlete without charging a rupee. This dietician was paid by Fr. Fredrick through his own expenses, understanding my condition. The state government should help emerging athletes like me on financial level, so that we perform better and bring laurels to our state and the country,” says Teddy Cardozo, who hails from Curca- Bambolim.
Teddy, who has also participated in international marathon event in Macau, started his training when he was studying in Std 6th.
Teddy has been training under his coach Digambar Narvekar since his early schooling days. He recently completed a Post-graduation course in Physical Education (B.PEd)from the Don Bosco College in Panaji, and is determined to keep on taking on new challenges.
Teddy, who is 23-years-old is now focussing on the upcoming running event – Goa Marathon, scheduled in February, where he will be running a distance of 21kms.
