Panaji: Goa could soon emerge as a global beach volleyball destination, according to Irwin Soares, the tournament director and chairman beach volleyball at the Lusofonia Games here.
Even before the first game of the event on the golden sand at Miramar beach, Soares has claimed that offers have already started coming in from across the globe for holding beach volleyball tourneys in Goa.
"Beach volleyball is a wonderful event and Goa is the most appropriate place for it, and it is going to be marked on the world map. We have been getting offers for international events in Goa," he claimed.
Soares also said the sport will be played over 7-8 days during the ongoing Lusofonia Games here with Portugal, Angola, Sri Lanka and India being the top teams and it would be a great attraction.
Pradeep John, competition manager of beach volleyball, said from January 22 to 26, over 50 matches would be played at Miramar.
"Four matches are going to be held in the morning session. Then there will be a break and the next session will start at 4.30 PM," he said, adding that the break had been planned in a way so as to avoid the day's heat. There are three practice courts and a schedule is given to the participating teams and there is ample of time for them to practice, John further said.
According to team Goa-India's head coach Surya Sawant, the country's chances of winning a medal in the sport are good. "We have very good teams. Their performance has improved and there is a positive sign in their capability and their ability to perform. I'm sure they will make Goans proud," Sawant said.
