the goan I network
PANAJI
Protocol takes priority and not mere potential alone, was SAG Executive Director VM Prabhudesai’s terse reply when asked if the Coelho siblings could have been extended some relaxation in terms of formalities to avail financial assistance.
Prabhudesai was asked in view of the fact that the Coelho siblings have been doing consistently well at the National level, it would have been considerate on the State Government and SAG’s part to offer financial assistance much earlier given their potential to take their sails to further heights.
To another query, on their part at the State level, the SAG Director stated that the Government has approved their support for talented windsurfers. But when The Goan queried, why there was delay when they were just days away from their Asian Games -- with their father running pillar to post at the last minute -- Prabhudesai said, “It is a process that we have to follow, of files having to be moved, queries to be answered”.
Prabhudesai disapproved that the State could do better to extend their support to the Coelho siblings -- Dayne (20) and Katya (19) -- the lone representatives of the State for India at the windsurfing discipline at the ongoing Asian Games.
While acknowledging that the State’s pride are representing the country, he took a firm stand that as the siblings are representing India, and not just Goa, support and equipment should come from the Indian Government.
