Goa Sports Authority Moves Toward Legal Action Against Defaulting Sports Associations
The Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) is preparing to escalate its efforts to recover outstanding funds from State Sports Associations (SSAs) that have failed to settle their accounts following the 37th National Games 2023. In a significant development, SAG will seek formal approval from its general body to initiate legal action and recovery proceedings against these defaulting associations.
Repeated Notices Ignored, Outstanding Amounts Remain Unsettled
According to SAG officials, despite multiple notices and email communications demanding settlement or refund of outstanding amounts, the erring associations have shown little seriousness in addressing the matter. The authority confirmed that "the amount remains unsettled/unsubmitted/unrefunded to date" in its agenda note for the upcoming general body meeting scheduled for Friday.
The recovery proceedings will be initiated under the provisions of the Goa Land Revenue Code, marking a formal legal approach to what has become a persistent financial issue. This move represents a shift from administrative requests to enforceable legal measures.
Record Funding for Record Medal Haul
The financial dispute stems from substantial grants distributed ahead of the National Games. SAG had sanctioned approximately Rs 15.4 crore to 35 state associations to ensure adequate preparation for the games, which were held in Goa between October 26 and November 9, 2023.
Although preparations began later than anticipated, Goa achieved a record medal tally at the event. This success was largely attributed to the unprecedented funding of Rs 11.2 crore—representing 80% of the total allocated amount—that was released to the associations to support their athletes and logistical needs.
Substantial Grants to Various Sports Associations
Available records reveal significant funding allocations to multiple sports associations. Among the highest recipients were:
- Football and Handball: Rs 68.2 lakh each
- Athletics: Rs 66.7 lakh
- Netball: Rs 54.3 lakh
- Sepaktakraw: Rs 43 lakh
- Kabaddi: Rs 41.6 lakh
- Boxing: Rs 41 lakh
- Basketball: Rs 40.2 lakh
- Weightlifting and Hockey: Rs 40.1 lakh each
SAG has not publicly identified which specific associations have failed to settle their accounts, maintaining discretion while preparing for legal action.
Calls for a More Supportive Approach
Not all stakeholders agree with SAG's legal approach. Sports promoter and former Goa Badminton Association (GBA) president Sandeep Heble has advocated for a more facilitative strategy toward resolving documentation issues. In a representation to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant—who also serves as SAG chairman—Heble emphasized the challenging circumstances under which associations operated.
"Associations acted under intense timelines in the larger interest of the state," Heble stated. "Procedural gaps should be addressed through assistance rather than coercive recovery proceedings."
Heble further explained that grants were specifically allocated for time-bound purposes related to training camps, competitions, logistics, and athlete preparation. Associations operated in good faith during demanding circumstances to ensure the games' success, often responding to urgent state requirements.
"Where certain documentation or procedural compliances of few remain pending, this could be attributable to rigid procedural requirements, evolving reporting formats, and limited administrative capacity of associations," Heble added. "Instead of initiating coercive and draconian recovery proceedings, a supportive and facilitative approach would be more appropriate."
Proposed Collaborative Solutions
Other stakeholders have suggested alternative approaches to ensure compliance. Some members have proposed that SAG deploy office assistants or nodal officers to work directly with association office bearers. This collaborative effort would aim to achieve full compliance, maintain transparency, and facilitate timely closure of all outstanding matters by the end of the month.
As SAG prepares for its general body meeting, the sports community watches closely to see whether legal action will proceed or whether more cooperative solutions might emerge to resolve the financial discrepancies from Goa's successful hosting of the 37th National Games.
