Augusto Rodrigues
Carlton Gomes wore the hat of the oldest local volunteer for the FIFA U-17 World Cup for men in 2017, and he wears the hat once again as Goa prepares to host sixteen matches of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to start at the Nehru Stadium at Fatorda on October 11.
“It was a wait-and-watch game in 2017, but this time I was called and asked whether I wanted to be part of the team again, and I couldn’t say no. I was surprised and happy that I was picked,” the seventy-year-old Carlton Gomes tells Gomantak Times.
“I had to go through the selection process the last time, and I remember going through anxious moments, waiting to know whether I was selected or not. This time around I was surprised and happy when I received the call from the FIFA team asking me whether I was keen on joining them again. Ravi and Sachin are the other two who were part of the team in 2017 and have been retained along with me,” explained Carlton, a resident of Borda.
“I was in the VVIP guest relations segment in 2017 and have been allotted the same section this time too. Basically, our job is to receive FIFA guests, escort them to their seats and provide them with any assistance they seek during the match. Our catering to their needs enhances their match experience,” says Carlton with a broad grin.
“Work has already commenced, and though the parameters of the work haven’t changed much, the whole Local Organising Committee (LOC) has changed, barring a few. Most of the LOC members are people from different states of India, and our primary role is to get them acquainted with the stadium and places related to the World Cup in Goa,” states Carlton, who feels enlivened with the responsibility thrust on him by FIFA.
“I do not feel any tension this time around as I think I was recalled this time because FIFA was happy with the way my team and I performed last time. The responsibilities are the same this time too. Yes, there are a few new faces, but the task is not daunting. I am confident it will be a smooth ride this time too,” says Carlton, who thinks he is privileged to receive a second opportunity to be performing on a world stage.
“I was expecting to be selected as part of the Indian hockey team meant to play at the Hockey World Cup in 1982. It did not happen. But I am happy that I have now been part of two FIFA World Cups and both in Goa,” says the former Indian Railways hockey goalkeeper. “The job at hand is not just to show brand FIFA at its best, but also brand Goa. After all, we are Goans representing FIFA during the World Cup. We did a good job the last time, and I am sure we are going to do much better this time. I only hope FIFA will decide to conduct another world event in India, and I am blessed to be fit to accept another responsibility,” concludes Carlton.