Two state leagues for Goan volleyball

Panaji: Each faction of the Goa Volleyball Association has announced a league of its own, leaving players and officials confused.

The GVA, headed by Richard Vaz, were the first to announce a state league after a lull of several years and has offered a cash purse of Rs 1 lakh for the winners. Sixteen teams from across the state, including top guns like Goa Police, Dhargal United and Om Shiv Shankar Shambo have been included in the fixtures, but players have been left wondering if they are free to participate after the GVA, led by Irvin Soares, issued a warning through Whatsapp messages to players and officials.

“There will be repercussions for the players if they take part in this illegal league. The official league will commence on December 16 in Ponda,” said Soares.

Soares said players taking part in the league to be played at Santa Cruz – starting December 6 – will not be considered for trials to select the state team for the Senior National Volleyball Championship in Hyderabad.

As things stand today, Irvin continues to be recognised by the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), Goa Olympic Association (GOA) and more importantly Volleyball Federation of India (VFI), where he is the vice president. The Vaz faction has claimed that seven of the 11 clubs have thrown their weight behind them and Soares, who has been in the position for more than two decades, has got no business continuing as president.

The stern message from the Soares faction has left players confused. Goa Police have already withdrawn; neither of their players will play for other teams as well, while champions Om Shiv Shankar Shambo, Colony Boys (Morlem) and Sattari Volleyball Club are all expected to pull out.

“We have got the interest of volleyball at heart. We want to develop the sport in Goa and will continue to work to the best of our abilities,” said Vaz, who last week met SAG executive director V M Prabhudesai and apprised him of the general body decision.

Prabhudesai is likely to convene a meeting of both factions to solve the impasse.