NT Reporter
Pernem
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday said that hosting international sporting events such as the Formula 4 championship will significantly boost sports tourism in Goa and expressed hope that the state would one day host a Formula 1 race.
Speaking on the sidelines of the inaugural Formula 4 street racing event held within the premises of the Manohar International Airport at Mopa, Sawant said Saturday’s races were being conducted on a trial basis, with the formal inauguration scheduled for Sunday. This is the first time a Formula street racing championship has been organised in Goa. The event follows the previous round held in Coimbatore. “Such international events will promote sports tourism in Goa. In the future, it should be our endeavour to bring Formula 1 to the state,” Sawant said.
The championship is being conducted in a team format, with each team comprising four drivers — one experienced international driver, one emerging global talent, one Indian driver and one woman driver — aimed at promoting diversity and competitive balance
in the sport.
However, the event was marred by complaints from local journalists over alleged discrimination in media arrangements at the venue. Members of the local media claimed they were denied proper access and facilities, affecting their ability to cover the event effectively.
Responding to the concerns, Sawant acknowledged the issue and assured corrective steps. “I have told the organisers to provide better arrangements on Sunday. My office will also monitor it,” he said.
Rajtilak Naik, president of the Goa Union of Journalists (GUJ), alleged that local media personnel were “discriminated against
and humiliated.”
He said they were assigned to Zone 4 and provided a 50-metre space with a grill in front, without permission to move closer due to safety restrictions.
“The local media were given a location just for namesake, with no proper platform, concrete dumped around and right next to toilet blocks, while the national media were accommodated at the main pavilion,” Naik alleged. He added that despite the government spending crores of rupees on the event, local journalists were not given adequate facilities.
The issue is expected to be reviewed ahead of Sunday’s formal inauguration.
