The Goa Cricket Association (GCA) on Friday inaugurated Goa’s first Pink Cricket Centre at the Sanquelim Municipal Ground, marking a step towards strengthening women’s cricket in the state.
The centre has been set up to provide dedicated infrastructure and training opportunities for aspiring women cricketers, with a focus on increasing participation at the grassroots level.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Chief Guest Sulakshana Sawant, Chairperson of Padmini Foundation and wife of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, along with Guest of Honour Siddhi Porob, Chairperson of Sankhali Municipal Council. GCA Secretary Tulsidas Shetye, Vice President Paresh Fadte, member Viraj Phadke, former GCA President Vipul Phadke, and Eagles Sports Club President Prashant Phatarpekar were also present.
Speaking at the event, Sulakshana Sawant said players from Sattari and Bicholim would benefit from the facility.
“We are seeing that in Sanquelim, not only football and cricket but various other workshops and training are being conducted. Credit goes to Eagle Sports Club for their work over the past 10 years. This centre will have women coaches which is a good thing. Lot of efforts are being put by GCA and BCCI,” she said.
GCA Secretary Tulsidas Shetye said similar centres are planned in other parts of Goa.
“The 3 centres at Porvorim, Cujira, Chicalim and Margao will be opened,” he said.
“We have taken inspiration from the Pink Force of the Goa police who are women personnel,” he added.
Former GCA President Vipul Phadke said the initiative reflects a broader vision for women’s cricket.
“This is a clear intent and a promise to young budding cricketers that the era of women empowerment is being given focus. GCA’s intent was to start centres at various areas and while we were focusing on boys, at Sanquelim, we found that there was maximum interest shown by girls, which was around 36 of them. And we plan to start another 3 centres. It is an honour to get the centre inaugurated by Ms Sawant,” he said.
“We need to focus on women empowerment and right from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Sanquelim Municipality, all are working towards this goal. I am positive that our Goan women players will rise up to play in the WPL as well,” he added.
Phadke also highlighted broader developments in women’s cricket administration.
“The initiative has been undertaken by the GCA in association with Eagles Sports Club. Under Jay Shah who is now ICC chairman and former BCCI Secretary, women cricketers were given pay parity,” he said.
He also addressed parents and young players, encouraging participation and commitment.
“I congratulate the parents for sending their girls to the centre, as many times parents hesitate to send their kids. I want to assure the parents that this is a very safe place for girls to fulfil their dreams and future. Under the able guidance of GCA, they will rise up and they will make Goa proud,” he said.
“For every minute spent on the ground, play with intent. Don’t come here and make it a routine to play or bowl a few balls. Respect the coaches efforts who are at level 2. Your parents as well as we at GCA are looking forward to seeing you play in WPL or at the national level. GCA will provide you with full support,” he added.
The initiative has been undertaken by the GCA in association with Eagles Sports Club.
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