The lack of representation of Goan players in India’s age-group-level teams is a cause for concern and a testament to the State’s dwindling stocks in the sport, Pradhyum Reddy, CEO of Dempo SC, said during a panel discussion of Sportstar Sports Conclave Goa in Panjim on January 19.
“The number of clubs in the top tiers has declined. The absolute numbers in terms of players representing the national team are around the same. Goa has little to no representation at the Under-23, Under-20, Under-19, and Under-17 levels of the national team. The knock-on effect of that is seen 10 years down the line,” Reddy said.
Goa Football Association president Caitano Fernandes believes the leadership’s lack of vision in the past decade has played a part in the sport’s decline in the State.
