PANJIM, Sept. 14 -- JOVITO LOPES

Goan sportspersons as well as sportslovers awoke to a rude shock as the government announced that Goa will host the Round 4 of the 2025 Indian Racing Festival - Formula 4 - with the State government and private promoters committing significant investments in crores to establish what is being described as South Asia's first ocean racetrack.

What has stunned many is that the Goa government is ready to shell out a handsome sum of Rs 47-52 crore for the event being organised by a private organisation. Surely, it is not a grant. It is as good as being the co-hosts, which is the bone of contention.

The race will showcase Goa Aces JA Racing, the winners of 2024 event. The team 2025 line-up: 15-year-old Enzo Ru...