Is privilege taking priority over talent?

A month may seem like a short period for administrators sitting in air-conditioned offices, but for budding athletes, it can mean the difference between a podium finish and falling behind in national competitions.

This is the hard truth being faced by competitive swimmers and trainers training at the Campal Swimming Pool in Panjim, who have suddenly found their training hours clashing with those of a private school that has been granted access to the facility for a month.

Athletes—who represent the state at national-level meets along with the RCC trainees—are now struggling to maintain their training schedules, sparking frustration and serious concerns about the government’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent.

“I understand that this is a good initiative by the school for their school children, but it does affect our schedule and structure,” stated a young athlete. 

Only an athlete understands the impact of compromising a month’s training—especially during a crucial phase of preparation.

“The authorities say it’s just a month, but they don’t understand what it means for us. We train daily to improve our timings, our endurance, our technique. They ask us to adjust isn’t correct, instead they should have prioritized our trainings,” stated another athlete.

When contacted, the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) executive director Geeta Nagvenkar stated that this arrangement is an annual occurrence, with the pool being handed over to the private institution for a month every year.

“In the past too, they used to do the same thing. I don’t know why nobody brought to your notice,” stated Geeta Nagvenkar who added that the competitive swimmers adjust accordingly when this school conducts their camp for a month.

Beyond the issue of training disruption, The Navhind Times’ on-ground visit also raised concerns about hygiene and safety. Typically, strict guidelines ensure the pool remains a professional training facility, with rules that bar casual clothing, footwear in the pool area, and unnecessary occupation of the pool ramps.

However, these rules appeared to be relaxed for the private institution. Parents casually strolled inside the pool premises in shoes, while individuals in non-swimming attire were seen in the water. Such violations not only compromise hygiene but also raise questions about preferential treatment—why is this school allowed to bypass regulations that others must follow? They had their own coaches too.

The written order from SAG reportedly permits institution the use of all swimming pools except Olympic-standard pools. However, the Navhind Times reporter witnessed otherwise.

The financial aspect of this arrangement also raises eyebrows. The private school was reportedly informed that they would be charged a mere Rs 20 per student per hour and Rs 50 per adult per hour for using the facility. This is a good move to promote sports. But,  with such nominal fees, how did the institution gain exclusive access to swimming pools, displacing other trainers in the process? Shouldn’t such public sports facilities prioritize structured training over temporary school activities?

But the question remains—should the state’s premier training facility be compromised for school activities at the cost of elite athletes’ progress?

With the private school given prime slots and priority at the Campal swimming pool, would the authority concerned have shown the same generosity if any government school had requested the pool for its students? Or is it a case of privilege at play, where institutions with influence get their way while athletes who bring laurels to the state are left scrambling for alternatives?

Attempts to reach Geeta for further clarification were unsuccessful as she did not respond to calls.

This situation raises an uncomfortable but necessary question—where do Goa’s top athletes stand in the sporting priorities?

As former badminton champion and coach Pullela Gopichand recently stated, “Unless children come from rich backgrounds or have a family business, it is not advisable for them to take up sport.” His words lay bare a harsh reality—where access to facilities and opportunities often favors privilege over merit. If athletes must battle for training space while institutions with influence get priority, is success in sport truly based on talent, or is it reserved for those who can afford it?