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Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php --------------------------------------------------------------------------- PANAJI: The Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) at its General Body meeting held on Monday approved the construction of football stadium at the historic Bandodkar Ground at Campal. “Yes, the SAG at its General Body meeting held today approved the construction of football stadium at Campal,” Mr Gurudatta Bhakta, Secretary of Goa Olympic Association, confirmed while speaking to this daily on Monday. “Besides, taking into consideration that Goa will be hosting Lusofonia Games in 2013 and National Games in 2014, it has also approved the construction of other stadiums in Pernem, Shiroda and at Goa University Plateau,” he added. A new stadium in judo and karate discipline is coming up at Pernem while Shiroda and Goa University Plateau will have volleyball and basketball stadiums respectively, it was informed. Giving details about other important decisions that were taken during the meeting, Mr Bhakta informed that SAG has decided to appoint 11 new coaches besides regularising some of the existing coaches. “The remuneration for the coaches has also been increased from ` 8,000 to ` 12, 000,” he disclosed. “SAG has also approved to bid for the 2018 Asian Beach Games, in which 45 nations will be participating,” Mr Bhakta said. Asked whether SAG will meet the deadline to provide floodlights at the Nehru stadium for the Zambia matches scheduled to be held in the last week of November, Mr Bhakta sounded a bit apprehensive but suggested that we all should be positive about it. “The work has already begun, however, taking into consideration the other factors like unseasonal rains, we can only remain positive about its completion,” he said. Meanwhile, welcoming the decision taken by the SAG, Panjim Sports Festival Committee, Young Boys of Campal, JCI St Inez and Campal Kaddint Boys will jointly organise a football tournament at the historic Campal Grounds venue, beginning on December 17. Entry for the Championship, which has been named as ‘Panjim Gold Cup’ will be open to clubs, schools, colleges and other institutions. The championship is being held with an ambitious aim to revive club culture and to promote football in the capital city, particularly amongst the youngsters. Attractive cash prizes and trophies will be on offer. The SAG Executive Director, Mr VM Prabhudesai has assured the organising clubs that goal posts, ground levelling and other minor beautification works will be carried out immediately after the completion of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Further details on the Football Championship may be obtained from Organising Secretary, Mr Sandeep Heble. Source: http://www.navhindtimes.in/sports/sag-approves-construction-football-stadium-campal