GFA pulls out of National Games

Panaji, Feb 5 (UNI) Goa Football Association (GFA) will not field its men's team in the 33rd National Games at Guwahati, Asom to be held from February 9, a GFA official said.

GFA Secretary Savio Messias told UNI, ''We have withdrawn from the competition since we could not field a good team. We had decided to send an under-21 team and shortlisted 21 probables for National games camp but the response was not really encouraging.'' The clubs were even reluctant to release players. With the ONGC National Football league in full flow, second Divisional NFL round the corner and Hutch First Division league at a crucial stage, I can not send a team which will be disgraceful, he said.

The women's team will, however, participate in the National Games.

The pull-out was immediately linked to the worsening situation in Assam. A bomb blast yesterday reminded of ULFA's threat and warning to boycott the games. ''Our decision was purely based on football,'' reasoned Mr Savio.

UNI