Goa Government Unveils Rs 50 Lakh Scheme to Empower Tribal Sportspersons
In a significant move to nurture athletic talent within tribal communities, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced the Eklavya Khedgadi Protsahan Yojana during his budget speech on Friday. This new initiative allocates Rs 50 lakh specifically to support talented sportspersons from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community across the state.
Bridging the Gap for Goa's Tribal Athletes
"To support talented sportspersons from the Scheduled Tribe community in Goa who can receive training at reputed sports academies and centres across India, the government proposes to launch this new scheme," stated Chief Minister Sawant. The program aims to provide systematic coaching and resources that have often been lacking, enabling athletes to compete at higher national and international levels.
This announcement comes amid increased governmental focus on tribal sports development. Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar recently hosted the ninth edition of the State-Level Tribal Sports Festival in his home constituency of Canacona. Organized jointly by the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) and the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs (DSYA), this festival has been a cornerstone initiative since 2011, actively promoting sports participation among tribal youth.
Showcasing Remarkable Talent and Achievements
Ajay Gaude, Director of Sports, emphasized the untapped potential within Goa's tribal communities. "The talent in Goa is unbelievable, and these sports festivals help bring talent to the fore," he remarked. "Our aim through the new scheme is to support as many tribal sportspersons as possible and provide top-tier support to those who can advance to the next competitive level."
Recent successes underscore this potential. At the inaugural Khelo India Tribal National Games 2026 in Ranchi, 18 athletes from Goa participated in selection trials, with an impressive 17 qualifying for the finals in Chhattisgarh. These athletes competed in diverse disciplines including:
- 4x400m relay
- Hurdles
- 5000m run
- Shot put
- Long jump
- 10km walk
Gaude highlighted their achievements, noting, "The recent performances of our athletes demonstrated that talent is not in short supply. These individuals excelled at the National level despite limited support. Imagine their potential with structured, professional coaching."
Enhancing Goa's Broader Sports Infrastructure
Beyond the tribal-focused scheme, Chief Minister Sawant announced additional measures to strengthen the state's sports ecosystem. "To ensure better utilization of indoor and outdoor grounds and stadiums, the government proposes to allow local clubs and sports associations to access sports facilities in their respective areas," he declared.
Furthermore, a substantial investment of Rs 33.8 crore has been earmarked for renovation and development projects at multiple sports venues across Goa this financial year. Key facilities set for upgrades include:
- Sports complex at Marcaim
- Football ground at Sao Jose de Areal
- Village school ground at Curtorim
- Jogging track at Fatorda
- School playground at Sancoale
- Sports ground at Cacora
- School ground at Cavorim
These comprehensive efforts reflect Goa's commitment to fostering a robust sports culture, ensuring that talented athletes from all communities, particularly tribal groups, receive the support necessary to achieve excellence on national and global stages.
