The Chief Minister of Goa Manohar Parrikar has unveiled the new logo, new jersey and new anthem of Salgaocar Football Club here.
The logo, unveiled last evening at a function, has a crest which is the symbol of glory, mining tools that highlight the foundation of the V. M. Salgaocar Group (who are into mining business primarily), a conch that symbolises new hope and an auspicious beginning, and a ribbon with fire indicating pride and passion.
Salgaocar Sports Club that has now been re-christened as Salgaocar Football Club also has a tagline which states: ‘More than a game, it’s our passion.’
The new jersey, which will see Salgaocar in red colour, has been designed by the Football Club Chairman Shivanand’s daughter Swati. The anthem has three versions though the tune remains the same in each song. It is in Konkani language.
Speaking on the occasion, Parrikar called on the administrators, players and fans to help Goa football figure on the world map.
The Chief Minister, who himself had played football at the school and college level, said he would like to see Goans make up half of the Indian team.
Parrikar, who has declared football as the official sport of Goa, promised funds and infrastructure for the game.
Shivanand thanked the Parrikar-led Government for initiating many efforts for the development of football and also in planning a scheme for providing jobs to outstanding sportspersons.
Shivanand said that the tiki-taka style of football that the national team displayed recently to win the Nehru Cup, was earlier introduced by Goa’s Ratnam (Dempo) and Shanmugham (Salgaocar) in the late 80s.
Meanwhile, Rocus Lamare and Nicolau Colaco were presented with the ‘Longest Standing Player’ and ‘Best Improvement’ awards, respectively on the occasion.
Two of Salgaocar’s team members, Karanjit Singh and Francis Fernandes were also felicitated for being part of India’s Nehru Cup 2012 winning team.