Portugal coach halts training in protest over unbearable heat

Portugal's national basketball coach, Mário Gomes, abruptly ended a training session, expressing extreme frustration with the conditions. The team was preparing for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Georgia on August 28 and 31, respectively, but the heat became too much to bear.

Gomes described the situation as "tragic and shameful," lamenting that Portugal is the only European country without public air-conditioned courts. He questioned how government and municipal offices could operate under similar conditions, urging for the issue to be publicized. The training session, initially planned for two hours, was cut short after about 70 minutes due to the oppressive heat.

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It is tragic and shameful. Portugal is the only country in Europe that does not have public air-conditioned courts. I cannot believe that government or municipal offices work under these conditions. Please publish this.

"I'm sorry, but this is stuck in my throat and I have to get it out," Gomes stated, explaining the necessity of stopping the practice. He stressed the unacceptable working conditions and the increased risk of injuries. "When the moment comes, we demand results. I am here to take my responsibility," he added, acknowledging the pressure on the team.

The coach's outburst highlights a significant infrastructure deficit in Portugal's sports facilities, raising questions about the support provided for national athletic teams. Despite the challenges, Portugal is set to face Spain and Georgia in their upcoming qualification matches.

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I'm sorry, but this is stuck in my throat and I have to get it out. Today's training session, the morning one, should have lasted two hours but after an hour and ten minutes we had to stop because the conditions did not allow its continuation… There are no working conditions, especially since we are risking the possibility of injuries. And when the moment comes, we demand results. I am here to take my responsibility.