Goan farmers step up to create rowing venue for National Games 2023

The local farmers provided land and also offered other support to help the state government build essential infrastructure.

The age-old saying "It takes a village to raise a champion" rings true for the National Games 2023 in Goa, particularly in hosting rowing competitions on the Chapora River, situated about 20 km from the state capital.

While Goa boasts numerous water bodies, rowing as a sport hasn't firmly taken root in this coastal state, and infrastructure for the sport was lacking. Organizers faced the challenge of creating a suitable rowing course, requiring still water and a straight course of at least two kilometers.

Selecting a venue that met these criteria was a time-consuming process. Once the ideal spot was identified, constructing the necessary infrastructure posed another challenge due to the absence of available land around the riverbed.

Local farmers came to the rescue during the ongoing harvesting season, offering their support to the government and organizers. They not only cleared their land but also provided approximately 30,000 square meters of land to build a concrete road to the riverbank, level the farms, and clear roughly 5,000 square meters of land from shrubs and bushes.

"The course is quite good. The tide does affect the flow of water, but it is manageable. But the real challenge was to make a place for boats to be kept, build technical officials’ area and other facilities as the river is surrounded by privately owned farms," explained Director of Competition Ismail Baig, while gesturing toward the lush green land with coconut trees on the opposite side of the riverbank.

With only 12 days remaining until the rowing event begins, the cooperation of the farmers was crucial, considering the ongoing harvesting season and crops awaiting harvest.

In the span of two days, 23 farmers not only cleared their land but also offered about 30,000 square meters of land to authorities for constructing essential infrastructure. This included building a concrete road to the riverbank, leveling the farms, and clearing an additional 5,000 square meters of land from shrubs and bushes.

Ismail Baig reflected on the challenges of the new venue, stating, "Every new venue has its challenges. But here, we had to work on a war footing for the last 10 days to get the land leveled, and build temporary infrastructure while ensuring that there is no long-term damage to the soil, as the farmers will have to start cultivation soon after."

To ensure that the farmers don't suffer financial losses, the government has already determined the compensation to be provided, although some farmers have not requested compensation.

Goa's Sports Minister, Govind Gaude, expressed his gratitude to the farmers, acknowledging their overwhelming support and emphasizing the significance of these Games for Goans. "We are grateful to them for their support," he added.