Goa Football Association Under Fire for Lack of Safety Measures During Youth Matches
Panaji, Goa - A shocking incident at a youth football match in Goa has exposed the deep-seated issues plaguing the safety protocols of the state's governing football body, the Goa Football Association (GFA).
During an under-13 match between Anjuna Gymkhana and Colvale Youth Club, 13-year-old player Mayank Mote suffered a devastating wrist injury when the ball struck him in the fifth minute of the second half. The lack of immediate medical intervention following the incident has raised serious concerns about the GFA's ability to provide timely assistance during emergencies.
Eyewitnesses report that the ball dislocated Mayank's wrist, causing significant swelling, and there were no medical personnel present on-site to attend to him during this critical period. The chaotic response to his injury highlights the glaring deficiencies in the GFA's emergency preparedness.
In a bid to reach emergency services (108), attempts were made but were met with radio silence. The delay in locating a stretcher, which was locked away in a storeroom, further exacerbated the situation, leaving Mayank without proper support for nearly half an hour.
Mayank was eventually transported to Galaxy Hospital in Mapusa, where X-rays revealed that he had sustained a serious fracture and dislocation of his wrist. The incident has exposed a worrying trend: previous incidents and incidents similar to this event have little awareness or concern about the provision of basic medical support during youth matches in Goa.
The GFA's failure to ensure the implementation of robust safety protocols is a cause for grave concern, particularly regarding the inherent risks associated with contact sports like football. The absence of a dedicated ambulance service during games and lack of trained medical staff present at the field have raised critical questions about the organization's commitment to player safety.
Youth sports should prioritize safe environments for all athletes, especially considering the risks involved in contact sports like football. The GFA must take immediate action to implement stringent protocols that not only meet but exceed safety regulations.
The incident has stirred widespread concern among youth players and their families, with many calling for urgent reforms within the organization. For Mayank Mote and any other young athletes who face similar situations, it is a stark reminder of the importance of robust safety measures in place to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
As the nation struggles to come to terms with this alarming reality, the GFA must take responsibility, improve its safety standards, and provide accountability for ensuring that no child ever suffers due negligence during a football match. Only then can the organization reassert its commitment to fostering a safe, enjoyable sport.
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