Goa's Remarkable Lacrosse Journey: From Obscurity to National Success
While many Indians might not be familiar with lacrosse, this fast-growing team sport is making significant waves in Goa. Despite being introduced to the coastal state just two years ago, both the boys and girls lacrosse teams have already achieved remarkable success by winning silver medals at the National Championships.
What is Lacrosse and How is it Growing in Goa?
Lacrosse is an exciting team sport where players use a stick with a net on the end to shoot a solid rubber ball into the opposition's goal. The sport, which originated in native American tribes where it was known as stickball, was historically used to toughen young warriors.
In Goa, the sport has found fertile ground with regular weekend training camps conducted at Peddem and Ponda. The growth trajectory appears promising as the state prepares to host four introductory lacrosse camps for schools across Goa this week.
International Expertise and Development Plans
The development of lacrosse in Goa is receiving international attention with Dmitry Khamin, president of the Russia Lacrosse Federation and a two-time World Lacrosse Championship player, conducting specialized sessions for Goa players. An India-Russia lacrosse exchange program has been proposed, which would enable teams from both nations to visit each other for friendly matches.
Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Tanavade, who recently took over as president of the Goa Lacrosse Association (GLA), expressed strong optimism about the sport's future. "With its sporting culture and organisational capability, Goa can become a major lacrosse destination, eventually hosting national and international events," Tanavade stated.
Grassroots Development and Future Vision
The GLA has implemented a comprehensive development model starting from school-level introduction of the sport, progressing through district-level programs, and culminating in state-level progress. "There is a need to expand lacrosse into schools and every taluka, building a strong grassroots foundation," emphasized Tanavade.
Senior vice president Tejendra Lawande explained that the GLA follows a bottom-to-top grassroots development model, ensuring sustainable growth of the sport across all levels.
Proven Success on National Stage
The effectiveness of Goa's lacrosse development program is already evident in competitive results. The girls team reached the final at the Junior Nationals 2024 in Agra, while the boys team secured a silver medal at the Sub Junior Nationals earlier this year.
These achievements are particularly impressive considering lacrosse was only introduced in Goa two years ago, demonstrating the state's potential to become a powerhouse in this newly recognized Olympic sport.
