CD Fountainhead registered a thrilling three-wicket victory over Rising Stars of Ponda in a league match of the GSB Unity Cup 3.0 at the MCC Ground, Margao, played under floodlights on Wednesday.
After winning the toss, Rising Stars of Ponda opted to bat first and posted 119 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. Openers Venkat Biche and Sanat Mhapne provided a brisk start with a 37-run partnership in just four overs. Nandan Acharya added 18 runs, while Paarth Kossambe remained unbeaten on 15 to help the team reach a competitive total. CD Fountainhead’s bowling attack was led by Manish Kakode, who delivered a standout spell, claiming four wickets for just 16 runs. He received excellent support from Aditya Prabhugaonkar and Vivek Keny, who picked up two wickets each.
In reply, CD Fountainhead found themselves in early trouble as Rising Stars’ disciplined bowling reduced them to 36 for 5. However, Manish Kakode once again turned the match in his team’s favour with a crucial knock of 50, anchoring the innings before retiring out. Pranav Biche chipped in with 12 runs, while Anish Prabhudesai remained unbeaten on 14 and Vivek Shantaram Keny added a steady 10 not out to guide Fountainhead safely to the target.
CD Fountainhead reached 122 for 7 in 14.5 overs, sealing a hard-fought win and earning valuable league points despite a strong bowling effort from Rising Stars, led by Sanat Mhapne and Ved Mahambre.
Manish Kakode was adjudged Man of the Match for his all-round brilliance, while Vivek Keny received the Hero of the Match award. The honours were presented by the chief guest, Jaiprakash Kunde, bringing a fitting close to an exciting contest.
MLA Michael Lobo and MLA Delilah Lobo marked their wedding anniversary by sharing deeply personal and heartfelt notes for each other, offering a rare glimpse into the bond that supports both their family life and their public roles.
Delilah Lobo expressed gratitude for her husband’s unwavering support, dedication, and commitment to both family and public service, acknowledging his responsibilities as the MLA of Calangute Constituency and Chairman of the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC). She highlighted the strength and guidance that define their partnership, praying for continued blessings and direction in their shared journey.
Michael Lobo, in turn, shared his appreciation for Delilah’s constant presence, strength, and dedication — not only as a life partner but also in her role as the MLA of Siolim Constituency and Vice Chairman of the Entertainment Society of Goa. He acknowledged her support at home and in public life, expressing gratitude for the balance she brings to both spheres.
Their messages reflect a partnership rooted in mutual respect, faith, and shared responsibility, illustrating how personal support systems often form the backbone of public leadership. As both continue to serve Goa in their respective capacities, their anniversary notes stand as a reminder that behind political roles lie enduring relationships built on trust, love, and commitment.
The Goan short film Rishi has achieved a significant international milestone by winning eight awards at the International Parallel Cinema Film Awards organised by The Festival Stage. The film was selected from an impressive pool of over 7,879 entries from across the world, standing out for its powerful narrative, strong performances and refined technical execution.
Directed jointly by Anlisa Rodrigues and Mario Pimenta, Rishi won the awards for Best Short Film and Best Story, while both directors were honoured with the Best Director award. Mario Pimenta also received the award for Best Editing, and Anlisa Rodrigues was recognised for Best Cinematography, highlighting the film’s strong visual language and cohesive storytelling.
Cyrus Fernandes earned accolades for Best Producer and Best Actor (Male) for his impactful performance, while 20-year-old Roshni Maurya won Best Actor (Female), becoming the youngest Goan woman to receive an international acting award. Sneha Fernandes contributed as the voiceover artist, adding emotional depth and resonance to the film’s narrative.
The multiple wins mark a proud moment for Goan cinema and underline the growing global recognition of independent and parallel filmmaking from the region. Rishi’s success reflects the creative strength, collaborative spirit and storytelling depth emerging from Goa’s film community, reinforcing its place on the international cinematic map.
Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) has been awarded the Silver Award under the category “Excellence Award for Women in Green Energy and Energy Efficiency” at the 6th Green Urja and Energy Efficiency Awards organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce in New Delhi on February 4, 2026. The award recognises IREDA’s sustained commitment towards promoting gender inclusivity and empowering women professionals within India’s renewable energy sector.
The award was presented by Shri Anil Razdan, Former Secretary (Power), along with other dignitaries, and was received on behalf of IREDA by Mrs. Mala Ghosh Choudhury, General Manager (HR); Ms. Durre Shahwar, General Manager (HR); and Mrs. Punnu Grover, Chief Compliance Officer, along with other women officers of the organisation.
Congratulating the team on the achievement, Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director of IREDA, stated that the recognition reflects the organisation’s consistent efforts to create a supportive and inclusive workplace. He emphasised that women professionals at IREDA are encouraged to grow, lead and contribute meaningfully to India’s clean energy journey. With women constituting around 23 per cent of its workforce, among the highest in Central Public Sector Enterprises, IREDA believes that empowering women is crucial to building a strong, resilient and future-ready clean energy ecosystem.
The CMD also expressed his gratitude to the Hon’ble Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy, the Hon’ble Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy, the Secretary of MNRE, the Board of Directors and all stakeholders for their continued guidance and support. The recognition further reinforces IREDA’s role as a key enabler of India’s renewable energy ambitions while championing diversity, inclusion and sustainable development.
As the streets of Goa prepare to transform into a high-intensity racing arena for the Indian Racing Festival on February 14 and 15, 2026, team owner John Abraham says racing on home streets turns motorsport into something deeply personal, rooted in pride, responsibility and community. As the owner of Goa Aces JA Racing, Abraham believes a street race in Goa carries a very different emotional weight compared to competing on permanent circuits.
“A street race in Goa changes the emotion and responsibility completely,” Abraham says. “This isn’t just about points or podiums. We’re racing in front of our people, in our city, and that adds a sense of responsibility you don’t feel anywhere else. It becomes deeply personal.”
According to Abraham, street racing demands a heightened sense of respect and discipline. Unlike permanent circuits, city tracks are tighter, less forgiving and leave little margin for error. Racing through familiar streets requires drivers to respect not just the barriers and corners, but the environment itself. He believes this dynamic forces humility and sharpens focus, making street racing one of the most challenging and rewarding formats in motorsport.
For Goa, Abraham sees the event as much more than a race weekend. He believes the Goa Street Race places the state firmly on India’s sporting map, adding a new dimension to its global identity. While Goa is already celebrated for its beaches, culture and lifestyle, hosting a world-class street race showcases the state’s ability to deliver large-scale international sporting events, boosting tourism and attracting global attention.
Preparation for the Goa Street Race, Abraham explains, has been about precision rather than experimentation. On a street circuit, there is no room to test ideas mid-race. Everything must be planned in advance, from car setup to driver confidence. Trust between the driver and the machine becomes crucial, as the circuit rewards discipline and smart decision-making over aggressive risk-taking.
The unforgiving nature of street racing also raises the stakes for the entire team. Abraham admits that even a small lapse can end a race instantly, making calmness under pressure a defining quality. He believes street circuits expose weaknesses quickly, but for a well-prepared team, they also bring out the very best in execution and teamwork.
Goa Aces JA Racing enter their home round with a strong, internationally experienced line-up. Leading the team is Raoul Hyman, the most successful driver in Indian Racing League history and a two-time defending champion. A fifth-generation Indian born in South Africa, Hyman brings consistency, composure and championship pedigree. Abraham believes Hyman’s ability to handle pressure makes him ideally suited for a demanding street circuit.
Indian racer Akash Gowda adds global race craft to the squad, having competed extensively across Japan and Southeast Asia. His international exposure strengthens the team’s competitiveness, particularly in races where split-second decisions often determine outcomes. Joining him is Chetan Surineni, a rising Indian talent and Rookie Racer Winner in the Italian Sport Prototype Championship, representing the fearless new generation eager to make its mark on a big stage.
Adding international star power is Fabienne Wohlwend, a Nürburgring 24 Hours podium finisher and former W Series racer. One of global motorsport’s most recognisable female competitors, her presence brings global credibility and inspiration, reflecting the level at which Indian racing now competes.
For Abraham, racing through Goa’s streets also brings fans closer to the sport. When racing enters the city, it becomes immersive; the sound, speed and energy create a shared experience that spectators can feel rather than simply watch. With the home team competing on its own streets, the Goa Street Race promises to be a defining weekend, not just for motorsport in India, but for Goa’s growing sporting identity.
