Author: Tanisha Cardozo

Sports

CD Fountainhead, Sinq Rangers Shine in GSB Unity Cup 3.0 Thrillers

Tanisha Cardozo

Margao witnessed an evening of gripping cricket action as CD Fountainhead and Sinq Rangers emerged victorious in their respective matches of the GSB Unity Cup 3.0, organised by the Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust. Played under lights at the MCC ground, both encounters kept spectators engaged till the final overs.

In the first match, CD Fountainhead put up a competitive total of 169 for 7 in 20 overs. Manish Kakode anchored the innings with a well-crafted 49, supported by Anish Prabhudesai’s 45. The middle order capitalised in the death overs, with Vikrant Prabhu and Pranav Biche adding crucial runs to push the total to a challenging score.

Chasing 170, Desserts N More Avengers fought hard but fell just short, finishing at 161 for 7. Kaushal Hattangadi and Saish Hegde led the resistance, but disciplined bowling from Pranav Biche and Vikrant Prabhu ensured Fountainhead maintained control to seal the win.

The second match saw Sinq Rangers post a strong total of 182 for 6. Contributions came from across the batting lineup, with Sairaj Dhond, Nikhil Virginkar, Vismay Falgaonkar, and Megh Netravalkar all playing impactful knocks to build a commanding innings.

Priority Titans had a shaky start in response, losing early wickets and slipping to 22 for 4. However, Sahil Mandrekar’s half-century and Animesh Prabhugaonkar’s steady knock revived hopes. Despite the fightback, Mehanak Dharwadkar’s brilliant spell of 4 for 25 turned the tide, restricting Titans to 174 and sealing a well-earned win for Sinq Rangers.

With these results, the GSB Unity Cup 3.0 continues to deliver exciting cricket, highlighting emerging talent and competitive spirit in Goa’s local cricket circuit.

Sports

RC Goa Crowned PGML 5.0 Champions After Dominant Final Win

Tanisha Cardozo

RC Goa emerged champions of the Panjim Gymkhana-organised PGML 5.0 cricket tournament after defeating Priority Titans by five wickets in a commanding final at Bandodkar Ground.

Chasing a target of 157, RC Goa displayed confidence and composure, completing the run chase with 27 deliveries to spare. The champions were awarded ₹3 lakh along with the trophy, while Priority Titans settled for the runners-up prize of ₹2 lakh.

Earlier, Priority Titans opted to bat first after winning the toss and posted 156 before being bowled out in 19.3 overs. The innings began on a strong note, with the team reaching 102 for 1, but a sudden middle-order collapse saw them slip to 114 for 5. Contributions from Rijul Pathak (37), Atharva (37), and Adeep Misquin (26) laid the foundation, but the lower order failed to capitalise.

RC Goa’s bowling unit played a crucial role in restricting the opposition. Nakul Mhamal led the attack with impressive figures of 3 for 23, while Dattesh Priolkar picked up two wickets. Support came from Aryan Mashelkar, Gauresh Khandepakar, and Vardhan Prabhu Misquin, who kept the pressure on throughout the innings.

In response, RC Goa got off to a flying start, with Venkatesh Verlekar smashing 29 off just 13 balls. Sachin Sardesai anchored the innings with a composed 40, while Vardhan Prabhu Misquin added a valuable 38. Skipper Rajshekhar Harikant ensured there were no late setbacks, finishing unbeaten on 24 and sealing the victory in style with three consecutive sixes.

At the presentation ceremony, Digambar Kamat congratulated the winners and noted the competitive nature of the league, with a different champion emerging each year. Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes, who attended as a special guest, praised the spirit of teamwork and the successful organisation of the tournament.

Individual Awards:

  • Player of the Match: Nakul Mhamal
  • Best Fielder: Adeep Misquin
  • Best Bowler: Ramnath Gaonkar
  • Best Batter: Heramb Shankar Parab
  • Player of the Tournament: Ramnath Gaonkar

The tournament once again highlighted the depth of cricketing talent in Goa, delivering exciting matches and memorable performances for fans.

EduConnect

GVM’s Ponda College Wins Big at Abhiuday 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Students of Goa Vidyaprasarak Mandal’s Gopal Govind Poy Raiturcar College of Commerce and Economics in Ponda have brought pride to their institution by clinching the overall trophy at Abhiuday 2026, an intercollegiate event organised by the Government College of Commerce and Economics, Borda. The team also secured a cash prize of ₹20,000 at the prestigious event.

The full-day competition, held at Ravindra Bhavan Margao, witnessed participation from multiple colleges, with students competing across a range of events. Representing the college was a contingent of 40 students, who demonstrated remarkable talent, enthusiasm, and teamwork throughout the day.

The winning trophy was presented by Damodar Naik, adding to the significance of the achievement.

The students participated with the encouragement and permission of Principal Dr. Smita Sanzgiri and were guided by Faculty In-charge Ms. Yeshda S. Prabhu, whose support played a crucial role in the team’s success.

This accomplishment highlights the institution’s ongoing commitment to holistic student development, encouraging participation beyond academics and fostering confidence, creativity, and collaboration among its students.

Sports

Tridents & Strikers Dominate in GSB Unity Cup Thriller

Tanisha Cardozo

Margao witnessed an action-packed day of cricket as the GSB Unity Cup 3.0 delivered thrilling encounters at the MCC Ground, with K.K. Strikers and Shamrao Tridents emerging victorious in their respective matches.

In the morning clash, K.K. Strikers put up an imposing total of 205 for 9 in 20 overs. Opener Viraj Puranik led the charge with a blistering 55 off just 24 balls, laced with boundaries, while Rauji Kakodkar’s unbeaten 44 off 20 balls powered the innings past the 200-run mark. Ramnath Prabhu Bam also chipped in with a valuable 37. For Dempo Challengers, Shridhar Keni stood out with the ball, claiming three wickets.

Chasing a daunting target, Dempo Challengers showed glimpses of resistance through captain Samar Dubhashi (55), Tunish Sawkar (32), and Vibhav Pai (34). However, regular wickets and a lack of support from the lower order saw them fall short at 173. Rasik Pai Khot turned the game with a match-winning spell of 4 for 22, sealing a 32-run victory for the Strikers.

The second match proved to be a tighter contest, with Shamrao Tridents defending a modest total of 150 for 9. Deval Karmali’s impressive 53 and Siddhant Kunde’s steady unbeaten 37 anchored the innings, despite regular wickets. Rising Stars of Ponda bowlers Tanmay Sukhthankar and Shaunit Sawardekar kept things in check with three wickets each.

In response, Rising Stars struggled early but fought back through Ved Mahambre’s 50 and captain Prasheel Kamat’s 34. However, disciplined bowling from the Tridents, led by Kritin Bhangui’s 3 for 18, ensured they were bowled out for 135, handing Tridents a 15-run win.

Rasik Pai Khot was named Desserts N More Player of the Match, while Viraj Puranik received the Kamat Realty Hero of the Match award in the first game. In the second match, Siddhant Kunde and Deval Karmali were recognised for their standout performances.

With strong performances and competitive spirit on display, the GSB Unity Cup 3.0 continues to celebrate grassroots cricket and emerging talent in Goa.

Entertainment

Alia Bhatt Wins Hearts with Hindi Opening at BAFTA 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Making a memorable debut at the 79th British Academy Film Awards, Alia Bhatt brought a refreshing desi touch to one of cinema’s most prestigious global platforms. Held at the iconic Royal Festival Hall in London, the ceremony witnessed a moment that quickly became a fan favourite.

Taking the stage as a presenter for the Best Film Not in the English Language category, Alia began her speech with a warm and confident “Namaskar,” instantly capturing attention and admiration. She followed it up with a light-hearted clarification in English, saying, “Don’t reach for the subtitles just yet,” drawing laughter and applause from the audience.

Her gesture wasn’t just charming—it symbolised a growing global acceptance and celebration of diverse cultures in mainstream cinema. By choosing to speak in Hindi on such a platform, Alia effortlessly showcased her roots while connecting with an international audience.

The award category featured notable films like It Was Just an Accident, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, Sirāt, and The Voice of Hind Rajab, with Sentimental Value taking home the honour.

Social media quickly lit up with praise for the actor, with fans calling the moment “iconic,” “classy,” and a proud representation of Indian culture. Many appreciated how naturally she balanced elegance with authenticity, making the moment feel both powerful and personal.

Adding to the glamour of the evening, Alia stunned in a custom silver gown by Gucci, paired with a white stole. Inspired by the timeless style of Marilyn Monroe, her look perfectly complemented the sophistication of the event.

In her own words, shared with British Vogue, Alia expressed her excitement about the appearance, stating that she wanted to bring glamour while keeping the look elegant.

Her BAFTA debut was more than just a red carpet appearance—it was a statement of identity, confidence, and the universal language of cinema that transcends borders.