Goa’s Tryst with the Olympics

Goa, known for its rich sporting legacy, has failed to produce a home-grown Olympian for over three decades now.
Goa’s Tryst with the Olympics
Goa’s Tryst with the Olympics

The curtains fell on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on Sunday, August 8, after 17 days in which the world’s biggest sporting events came alive amidst the fear of a deadly virus. The 32nd summer games proved a much-needed respite from the frustration and tragedy of the past 18 months.

For the Indian contingent, Tokyo Olympics turned out to be a massive success. India finished 48th on the medal tally with seven medals, its highest ranking in the four decades and produced its richest-ever medal haul.

India also sent its largest-ever contingent to Tokyo Olympics, taking part in 18 disciplines. Athletes from Haryana and Punjab once again dominated their presence, having together 50 athletes who represented India at the Tokyo Games.

Meanwhile, Goa, known for its rich sporting legacy, has failed to produce a home-grown Olympian for over three decades now. However, throughout history, several Goans have represented India in the coveted Olympic games.

Let’s look at some of Goa’s favourite Olympians.

Goa’s two-sport queen

Mary D’Souza Sequeria, who was born on July 18, 1931, in Bombay (Mumbai), is originally from Quitula, Aldona. She is the first Indian woman to attend the quadrennial event and the first to represent the country in two disciplines - athletics and hockey. She grew up in Bandra, broke national records, and won gold, silver and bronze medals at the Asian Games in Delhi in 1951 and Manila Games in 1954. She was one of the first Indian women to compete in the Olympics, making her debut at the 1952 Helsinki games. She took part in the women's 100 and 200 metres events. She also played field hockey for India at the Hockey World Cup in London (1953) and in Australia (1956). She was India’s first female two-sport athlete. Mary is immortalised in the streets of Goa with an iconic mural near Geeta Bakery in Panaji.

Asia’s first hat trick hero

Neville D’Souza was born on August 3, 1932, in Assagao. His football career started in the Goan Sports club before moving to Tata’s. He then went to play for one of Mumbai’s best football clubs, the Caltex Sports Club and won the Rover Cup. He was part of the historic Indian football team that went for the 1958 Melbourne Olympics. When India played Australia in the quarter-final, Neville made history as he scored a hat trick and defeated the host 4-2. He became the first Asian player to score a hat trick in the Olympics. India went to play the semi-final and lost 4-1 to Yugoslavia as Neville scored the only Indian goal.

One of India’s Invincibles

On September 15, 1916, Peter Paul Fernandes was a descendent of families from Goa that migrated to Karachi. He played for the St. Patrick's Catholic High School in Karachi and dominated. His excellent performances propelled him to the national side, where he joined legends like major Dhyan Chand for the 1936 Olympics. He was the first Goan to play for India. In the 1936 Berlin Olympics, the Indian team was invincible. They scored 38 goals and conceded only one throughout the whole tournament. Peter Paul Fernandes scored two goals against Japan in the group stage.

The golden Indian quartet from the 1948 London Olympics:

 The Indian Hockey team of the 1948 Olympics had 4 players from Goa. The Indian goalkeeper, Leo Pinto, was originally from Camarcazana, Mapusa; right back, Walter D'Souza, from Saligao; left hand, Max ‘Maxie’ Vaz was from Bardez and right-winger, Lawrie Fernandes was from Saligao. They were part of independent India’s first hockey team and won gold against hosts, Great Britain, in the final.

  Goan queens of Indian hockey

Women’s field hockey was first included in the Olympics in the 1980 Moscow games. The Indian women’s team included Selma D’Silva and Lorraine Fernandes, both hailed from Goa. The Indian team finished fourth in the event after losing to the Soviet Union. Eliza Mendonca was also part of the team who is from a Goan family and was born in Pune, Maharashtra. She led India to their ninth gold medal at the 1982 Asian games.

The laurels at the recent Olympics will make amends in the Indian sporting culture. Indian fans had supported the Indian Olympic contingent throughout the games as they finally got a chance to witness glory in sports other than cricket. 

If this fan support continues, the athletes will be motivated to put in more effort. The authorities will be forced to improve the infrastructure and amenities that will benefit sports in the country. Hopefully, these changes will motivate Goa to produce world-class athletes who will dominate on the international stage. 

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