Ronaldo statue kicks up a fuss in India's Goa
Sports
Ronaldo statue kicks up a fuss in India's Goa
(AFP) - A statue of Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has caused a stir in the southern Indian state of Goa, with locals accusing officials of insensitivity for honouring a sports star from the region s former colonial power.
Protesters with black flags gathered at the site after the statue was unveiled this week in the town of Calangute.
Micky Fernandes, a former Indian international player who is from Goa, said the choice was "hurtful" and a "hangover" from Portuguese rule.
Michael Lobo, a local minister with India s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, told AFP the aim was to inspire young people to excel not just inside the country but internationally.
"If you pursue your dream and you re passionate about it then you can reach a higher goal. This is what we have written on the plaque."
But Portugal s then military dictatorship only relinquished Goa following an invasion by the Indian army and a two-day war in 1961.
Unlike in most of India, many Goans prefer football to cricket -- and many support Portugal in international tournaments such as the World Cup.
It is not the first time a statue of Ronaldo, 36, has caused an upset.
