Events like UTT are strengthening Goa’s emergence as a global sports destination: Ajay Gaude

Goa Khabar: Goa’s growing portfolio of national and international sporting events is steadily reinforcing the state’s position as a leading sports destination, according to Ajay Gaude, Executive Director of the Sports Authority of Goa and Director of Sports and Youth Affairs.

Gaude was speaking as the chief guest at the Dream UTT Juniors Season 2 Final, held at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium on Sunday.

Highlighting the significance of hosting marquee sporting events, he said that tournaments such as Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) are enhancing Goa’s sporting ecosystem while contributing to the state’s economy and global visibility.

“Goa has successfully hosted UTT Season 7 and the Dream UTT Juniors tournament. Our Hon’ble Chief Minister often says that Goa is known not only for its sea, sand and sun, but also for sports. Along with being a premier tourism destination, Goa is now being recognised as a major sports destination. Events of this scale generate economic activity and further strengthen Goa’s identity as a hub for international sporting events,” Gaude said.

He noted that hosting a professional league such as UTT provides Goa with valuable international exposure while showcasing the state’s ability to organise world-class sporting competitions.

“UTT has presented table tennis in a completely new light. Spectators have turned up in large numbers to watch world-class competition, and Goa has enjoyed this experience over the past few weeks. With leading international players participating, the tournament has added tremendous value to Indian table tennis while placing Goa prominently on the global sporting map,” he said.

Gaude also underlined the importance of such events in inspiring the next generation of athletes.

“Young players gain immense motivation by watching the country’s best and international athletes compete. During the Dream UTT Juniors tournament, India’s top-ranked Under-15 player was in action, and such exposure can inspire many aspiring players to pursue the sport seriously,” he added.

Referring to Goa’s successful hosting of several major sporting events, Gaude said the state continues to attract proposals for national and international competitions.

“Goa has successfully hosted prestigious events such as the FIDE World Cup, Ironman, the Asian Bridge Championship, the Asian Gymnastics Championships and the FIFA U-17 World Cup. We continue to receive proposals to host more international events, and the Government of Goa, the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs and the Sports Authority of Goa remain committed to supporting such initiatives that further elevate Goa’s sporting stature,” he said.

Speaking on grassroots development, Gaude announced that the Goa Government will soon inaugurate the Goa Chess Academy and expressed confidence that a dedicated government-run Table Tennis Academy could also become a reality in the future.

“Through our Regular Coaching Classes (RCC) at centres across Goa, including Campal, Margao and Peddem, we are nurturing young talent at the grassroots level. Just as we are establishing the Goa Chess Academy, we can also envision a dedicated Goa Table Tennis Academy. We are also strengthening facilities under the Khelo India Centre of Excellence, where sports such as table tennis, badminton and swimming are being developed further,” he said.

With India targeting the hosting of the 2036 Olympic Games, Gaude urged young athletes to pursue sport with commitment and discipline from an early age.

“Sport demands dedication and sustained effort. The Government of Goa has created one of the country’s finest sports infrastructure networks, with modern sports complexes spread across the state. Young athletes should make full use of these facilities to realise their potential. As India works towards hosting the 2036 Olympics, today’s Under-12 and Under-14 athletes could well become the Olympians of tomorrow, provided they remain focused and committed to their goals,” he said.