Panaji witnessed an exciting day of veteran cricket as the first edition of the Fan Club Tiger Trophy 2026, an All-Goa Light Ball Cricket Championship for players aged 45 years and above, was successfully organised on March 7, 2026, at JP Grounds, Tambdi Mati, St Inez, Panaji.
The tournament was organised in memory of late cricket legend Dinesh Naik, bringing together players who had once shared the field with him and celebrating his contribution to the sport in Goa.
A total of 16 teams from across Goa participated in the one-day championship, making the inaugural edition both competitive and memorable for veteran cricketers and spectators alike.
Participating teams included Panjim Cricketers, Friends Naroa, Siolim Cricketers, Kamaxi Cricketers, Panjim Blast, Trishul Valpoi, Team Boss, Koteshwar Bicholim, AC Milan, Kundaim Cricketers, Madanant Cricketers, Rohit Sports, Damodar Sports Club, Dattatray Sports Club, SK Jogging, and Leading Cricketers.
Koteshwar Bicholim Clinches Title
In an exciting final match, Koteshwar Bicholim defeated Kamaxi Cricketers by seven wickets to lift the Tiger Trophy 2026.
Batting first, Kamaxi Cricketers posted 76/3 in 5 overs, with Dayesh Bhatikar scoring an impressive 38 runs, while Nitesh Naik contributed 26 runs. For Koteshwar Bicholim, Sandeep Mandrekar picked up 1 wicket for 15 runs, while Nitin Gaonkar claimed 1 for 9.
In response, Koteshwar Bicholim chased down the target comfortably, scoring 82/3 in 5 overs. Daya Pednekar remained unbeaten on 41 runs, while Sameer Thakur added an unbeaten 30 runs, guiding their team to victory.
Individual Awards
Sameer Thakur of Koteshwar Bicholim was named Man of the Final, while Rushikesh Pednekar from the same team was awarded Man of the Series.
Other individual awards included:
- Best Batter: Dayesh Bhatikar (Kamaxi Cricketers)
- Best Bowler: Nitesh Naik (Kamaxi Cricketers)
- Best Wicketkeeper: Nitin Lingudkar (Team Boss)
- Best Fielder: Vilesh (Kamaxi Cricketers)
Koteshwar Bicholim received ₹45,000 and a trophy as winners, while Kamaxi Cricketers were awarded ₹25,000 and a trophy as runners-up.
Exhibition Matches
Two special exhibition matches were also organised as part of the event.
In the Below 40 exhibition match, Videsh XI from North Goa emerged winners in a match held in memory of Videsh Salgaonkar and Shyam Gaonkar.
In the Above 40 exhibition match, Babu XI from North Goa secured victory in a match held in memory of Sanju Govekar and Babu Koyla.
The inaugural match of the tournament saw Panjim Blast register a win against Damodar Sports Club.
Dignitaries and Support
The opening ceremony was attended by Advocate Iftikhar Agha as the Chief Guest, while Durvang Naik, son of late Dinesh Naik, was present as the Guest of Honour.
The final match was graced by former MLA Jayesh Salgaonkar as the Chief Guest, who also served as the Elite Awards Sponsor for the tournament.
The event received valuable support from several prominent individuals including Chetan Dessai, former President of the Goa Cricket Association; Mohit Chopdekar, Siolim BJP Mandal President; Dattaraj Gauns, President of Ganpati Warriors Cricket Club; Sandesh Kerkar, President of United Ponjekar Club; Ganpat Khandeparkar, Founder of GK Events; Anant Kamat, Sports Director of Dempo Sports Club; and Dr Vardhan Bhobe.
The organisers stated that the tournament was organised to honour the legacy and contribution of late Shri Dinesh Naik, bringing together veteran cricketers who had once played alongside him while celebrating the true spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and remembrance.
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