Public Works Department Minister Digambar Kamat on Tuesday underscored the need to create inclusive spaces that encourage greater participation of women and strengthen their role across sectors, while inaugurating the Goa Cricket Association’s (GCA) Pink Centre at the Margao Cricket Club (MCC) ground.
The event was attended by GCA President Mahesh Dessai, Secretary Tulshidas Shetye, Vice President Paresh Fadte, along with Vipul Phadke, Yogesh Naik, Anup Borkar, and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Kamat congratulated MCC for initiating South Goa’s first Pink Centre, calling it a significant step towards empowering women in sports and reaffirming his support for Nari Shakti.
“GCA has introduced this Pink Centre concept, which is similar to the government’s Pink Force and pink taxis for women. I congratulate Mahesh Dessai and his team for this concept. This goes in conformity with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, where women are going to play an important role,” he said.
Highlighting the potential impact of the initiative, Kamat added, “This centre will benefit many girls and women. The sky is the limit. Women, even from poor backgrounds, are doing exceedingly well today. This is the scenario of New India. This is a golden opportunity for women cricketers to rise up. Boys and men are mostly in the cricket limelight; this should not happen—women too should shine. Make sincere efforts, play with dedication, sincerity, and honesty, and you will reach anywhere in the world.”
GCA President Mahesh Dessai stated that the Margao facility is the third Pink Centre after those established in Sanquelim and Porvorim, with plans to open four more.
“Many cricketers have emerged from MCC, like Hemant Angle, Vinod Damaskar, Guru Amonkar, and Eknath Kamat, who was a good left-arm bowler. I learnt a lot from him; he gave us the opportunity to be members of MCC. The entire team at GCA is working hard. Never before have such centres been opened,” he said.
He also advised young cricketers to “stay focused, believe in yourself, trust in your abilities, be humble in life, and you are the winner.”
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