In a thoughtful gesture of community service, JCI Vasco successfully organised the “UDAK – Free Water Distribution” initiative during the carnival celebrations held in Vasco da Gama on February 16, 2026. The initiative aimed to support parade goers and participants by helping them stay hydrated amid the intense heat.
With large crowds gathering to witness and take part in the vibrant carnival festivities, the need for hydration became essential. Recognising this, members and volunteers of JCI Vasco stepped forward with dedication, distributing water bottles and assisting attendees throughout the event.
The initiative saw enthusiastic participation from volunteers, who worked tirelessly under the sun to ensure that people remained refreshed and comfortable. Their efforts not only provided relief but also reflected a strong spirit of community care and responsibility.
The response from the public was overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the timely support. The initiative successfully benefited over 1000 individuals, making it a meaningful contribution to the celebrations.
Through “UDAK,” JCI Vasco once again demonstrated the impact of small yet significant actions in enhancing public well-being, especially during large-scale events like Goa’s carnival.
The Late Lt Cdr Gopal Sukhtankar Memorial Open Rapid FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 2026 concluded on a high note in Panaji, showcasing some of the finest chess talent from across the region. Organised by the Mustifund Parents Teacher Association, the tournament marked its 14th edition, continuing its legacy of promoting competitive chess in Goa.
Saras Summer Powar emerged as the champion after an intense competition, finishing with an impressive score of 8 points. In a closely contested battle, Joshua Telles matched the same score but had to settle for the runner-up position due to a marginally lower tie-break score. Aryavrat Naik Desai secured third place with a commendable 7.5 points, rounding off the top three.
The tournament saw strong participation across categories, with several players delivering notable performances. From fourth to twentieth place, competitors including Abhishek Patil, Atharva Katkar, Rishikesh Parab, Maxwell Raposo, and others demonstrated high levels of skill and determination throughout the event.
Young talents also took centre stage in the category prizes across various age groups, highlighting the depth of emerging chess players in Goa. Winners from U7 to U15 categories, including Shrivalli Gandhi, Lyia Silveira, Anvi Desai, and many more, showcased exceptional promise and competitive spirit.
Special recognitions added further significance to the event, with Gaonkar Aayansh being honoured as the youngest player, while Elis Barreto and Kiran Chopdekar were recognised among veteran participants. Mushtifund players also received appreciation for their efforts and performances.
The prize distribution ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Chief Guest Sushant Redkar and Goa Chess Association President Mahesh Candolkar, along with key members of the organising committee and arbiters.
With another successful edition completed, the tournament once again reinforced Goa’s growing presence in the chess circuit, fostering talent and encouraging young players to pursue excellence in the sport.
FC Goa is set to celebrate its female fans in a grand gesture ahead of International Women’s Day 2026. For the match against Sporting Delhi on Thursday, February 26th at the Fatorda Stadium, entry will be completely free for women of all ages, across all stands. This initiative reflects FC Goa’s commitment to honoring the women who have passionately supported the club over the years and fostering an inclusive environment for football in the state.
Ravi Puskur, CEO of FC Goa, said the move is a way to thank women for their support and ensure the stadium feels welcoming and celebratory. “We hope this match becomes more than just a game—a shared evening where families come together, young girls see themselves as part of football’s future, and Fatorda reflects the inclusive spirit that football in Goa truly stands for,” he said.
The matchday will feature dedicated women-only entry lanes to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Loyal female season pass holders will also enjoy exclusive half-time on-pitch contests and activations. Special partner booths and giveaways will be set up around the stadium, enhancing the matchday experience for female attendees. Adding a special touch, young girl mascots will lead the starting XI for both teams onto the pitch, with fans invited to nominate participants through club social media contests.
This celebration continues FC Goa’s strong focus on promoting women’s football. The club has a history of fielding an FC Goa Women’s Team and nurturing grassroots talent through programs like the Little Gaurs League and FC Goa Football Schools, which train girls across multiple age groups and skill levels. The club is also actively supporting competitive local talent, training an U14 girls team for the GFA U14 Women’s League in partnership with St. Dominic Savio SC Calvin.
The February 26 match promises a day of celebration, community engagement, and inspiration, underscoring FC Goa’s ongoing efforts to make football inclusive, exciting, and empowering for women and girls across the state. Further details on free entry and matchday activities will be shared via FC Goa’s official social media channels.
The cricketing world can breathe a sigh of relief—MS Dhoni is officially set to play in the IPL 2026 for Chennai Super Kings. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed the news to NDTV, ending months of speculation over whether the iconic captain would continue playing.
At 44, Dhoni may no longer be scoring prolifically and often bats lower down the order, but his presence on the field extends far beyond statistics. Known as the only captain to win all three ICC white-ball trophies and a five-time IPL champion with CSK, Dhoni continues to be an inspiration and a fan favourite across the country. Whenever injuries or other challenges have sidelined designated captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in the past, Dhoni has seamlessly returned to the helm, demonstrating the leadership and calm that has defined his legendary career.
Off the field, Dhoni has made it clear that he has no interest in joining the commentary box, citing the delicate balance required to critique players without appearing unfair. In a recent podcast, he explained, “Commentary is very difficult… It’s a very thin line. If the team is losing, there are reasons behind it, and you need to have the skill of describing those reasons without anybody feeling bad. That is the art of commentary.” This insight underscores Dhoni’s dedication to the sport and his preference to contribute directly on the field rather than from the booth.
As the IPL 2026 approaches next month, fans of CSK and cricket enthusiasts nationwide can look forward to witnessing the return of a living legend. Dhoni’s leadership, experience, and ability to galvanise his team continue to make him indispensable, proving that while he may have scaled back his personal batting milestones, his impact on the game remains monumental. Whether he’s guiding young players, leading in critical moments, or delighting spectators with his unique presence, Dhoni’s aura in the IPL remains unmatched, promising yet another memorable season.
The Filmfare Awards South 2026, held in Kochi to celebrate the best in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada cinema, was a glittering event that brought together the region’s most talented artists. While the ceremony honoured outstanding performances and films like Pushpa 2: The Rule, Amaran, Aadujeevitham, and Bramayugam, actor Niharika Konidela highlighted a notable concern following the event.
Taking to Instagram, Niharika praised the gathering of talent and described being in the room with so many artists as “truly special.” Yet she expressed disappointment that the debut winners from Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada cinema were not given a moment to speak on stage. According to her, for first-time awardees, that stage is more than recognition—it is the realisation of a dream and a platform to inspire audiences. She wrote, “Time constraints are inevitable in a show of this scale, but that one minute shouldn’t be taken away from someone standing on that stage for the first time. Because for them, that one minute may last a lifetime.”
Niharika’s remarks strike a chord in an industry where recognition and visibility play a pivotal role in shaping careers. The ceremony, while celebrating established artists, missed a chance to amplify the voices of emerging talent, a point that Niharika stressed could have made a lasting impression on audiences and fellow artists alike.
Coming from a family deeply rooted in Telugu cinema—she is the daughter of actor-producer Nagendra Babu and niece of megastar Chiranjeevi—Niharika has herself balanced the roles of actor and host, having appeared in films such as Oka Manasu, Suryakantham, and Happy Wedding, and hosted the popular show Dhee Juniors. Her candid observations reflect both personal insight and empathy toward emerging artists navigating the challenges of an industry driven by visibility.
Beyond her professional commentary, Niharika’s personal life has also been in the public eye. She became engaged to Chaitanya Jonnalagadda in a close-knit ceremony in 2020 and announced their divorce in 2023, events that further underline her openness in sharing life experiences alongside her professional journey.
Niharika’s reflections on the awards ceremony serve as a reminder that while accolades celebrate achievement, the moments of recognition on stage—particularly for debutants—carry immense symbolic value. Her call to give first-time winners even a brief opportunity to speak underscores the importance of nurturing new talent and ensuring that the next generation of artists feels seen, heard, and inspired.
