GAME 4 CHANGE: TWO-PRONG INITIATIVE TO LIFT THE STANDARD AND BOOST INCLUSIVITY IN GOA

An initiative that has positive goals, is always worth supporting with heart and soul! That is exactly what 'Game 4 Change' is aiming for.

To understand the concept, one must have a look at the sports scenario in Goa. We have over 40 different sports disciplines being promoted for competitive circuit across the state and at the national level.

Out of these, cricket and football command the major share of Goans' sports activities - ranging from organised action governed by the state sports association, state government's Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs, to purely recreational engagement among friends and families.

Talking about cricket, Goa has a pretty good record at the tennis ball format at the national level. However, the state has suffered humiliation more often than not in the Indian domestic cricket circuit with the main reason being the youngsters falling short in terms of ordinary mindset and low fitness levels apart from unpolished skill sets; as they limit their boundaries for the dearth of competition to push them all the way with Goa's talent pool being limited on account of it being a small state.

As such, 'Game 4 Change' identifies the necessity to inculcate the attention to details and bring in perfection into the making of young cricketers in order to provide a uplifting touch to Goan cricket! While the initiative of Neal Rohan Timblo backs the academy model, the endeavour advocates providing challenging exposure to the trainees with regular stints at Mumbai or Bengaluru to spur the youngsters' quest for excellence.

The other facet of this initiative is the opportunity for underprivileged children to be a part of the sport ecosystem and scouting of talents from this community, presents hope of unearthing a raw talent.

Game 4 Change Season 1 for Under-14 boys and girls was a grand success last year with Progress High School, Panaji, reigning supreme. Conducted in the monsoons at Panjim Gymkhana's Satish Timblo Indoor Cricket Arena, the tennis ball cricket event filled the void in Goan cricket scenario with its first of its kind format that also offered 2 talented youngsters fully sponsored chance to train regularly with Panjim Gymkhana Cricket Academy.

The second season of Game 4 Change indoor tennis ball cricket tournament is just round the corner and hopes are soaring with anticipation of unearthing more deserving trainees from the marginalised communities.