Category: Sports

Sports

GFDC Holds First Council Meeting Under New Chairman Glenn Ticlo

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

The meeting outlined several strategic decisions aimed at creating a strong and sustainable football ecosystem in Goa. Among the key proposals discussed was the appointment of a Technical Director to oversee football development programmes and ensure uniform technical standards across all GFDC initiatives.


The council also deliberated on the establishment of GFDC North and South Academies to provide structured and accessible training opportunities for young footballers across different regions of the state. This move is expected to decentralise football development and widen talent identification at the grassroots level.

Improving football infrastructure and ensuring access to quality equipment formed a major part of the discussions. The council emphasised the importance of conducting regular coaches’ workshops, upgrading coaching licences and promoting continuous education to enhance coaching standards across Goa.

Strengthening GFDC’s operational capacity was also taken up, with discussions on evaluating the performance of existing coaches and inducting new, committed professionals dedicated to long-term football development in the state.

Speaking after the meeting, Chairman Glenn Ticlo said the council’s priority was to put the right systems in place, from technical leadership to infrastructure and coaching quality, to ensure Goan footballers receive the best possible support. He added that the proposed regional academies would help ensure equal opportunities for talent from all parts of Goa.

The Goa Football Development Council reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to take Goan football to greater heights in the years ahead.

Sports

Priority Titans Register Thrilling Three-Run Win Over K K Strikers

Tanisha Cardozo

Priority Titans registered a dramatic three-run victory over K K Strikers in a gripping league encounter of the GSB Unity Cup 3.0, organised by the Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust, at the MCC Ground, Margao. The match unfolded as a closely contested affair, keeping players and spectators engaged until the final ball.

After winning the toss, Priority Titans opted to bat first and posted a challenging total of 181 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Mihir Kundaikar played a composed and responsible innings, remaining unbeaten on 46 off 35 deliveries. He found able support from Anish Mahambre, who struck a quick 37 off just 17 balls, and Durgesh Prabhu Gaonkar, whose aggressive 34 off 17 balls provided early momentum. For K K Strikers, skipper Nikit Naik Dalal led the bowling attack admirably, finishing with impressive figures of 4 wickets for 21 runs.

In response, K K Strikers began their chase under pressure and found themselves struggling at 65 for 5 in 9.3 overs. However, Nikit Naik Dalal once again stepped up, playing a blistering knock of 53 off 32 balls, while Ramnath Prabhu Bam added a valuable 39 to revive hopes of a turnaround. Despite the late surge, Priority Titans maintained their composure in the closing overs, with disciplined bowling restricting the Strikers to 178 for 8 in 20 overs.

Animesh Prabhu Gaonkar and captain Yash Prabhugaonkar played key roles with the ball, picking up two wickets each to ensure the narrow victory. Animesh Prabhu Gaonkar was adjudged Man of the Match, while Mihir Kundaikar received the Hero of the Match award. The honours were presented by chief guests SP Rajendra Prabhudesai and Ved Mahambre.

Sports

8th All Goa State Wushu Championship and 2nd Inter-College Wushu Competition 2026 Held at Anjuna

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

The 8th All Goa State Wushu Championship 2026 along with the 2nd Inter-College Wushu Competition 2026 was successfully organised by the Association of Goa Wushu in association with the Village Panchayat of Anjuna Caisua, Chivar and Chapora, on January 29 and 30, 2026, at the Anjuna–Caisua Panchayat Hall, Chivar, Chapora.


The championship was inaugurated by Surendra Sazu Govekar, Sarpanch of Anjuna Caisua Village Panchayat, in the presence of Panchayat members Dinesh Patil and Sudesh Parsekar, along with Paulo Killman Fernandes, Secretary of the Association of Goa Wushu, and other dignitaries.

The Village Panchayat of Anjuna Caisua extended full support and cooperation towards the successful conduct of the event, underlining its commitment to promoting martial arts and encouraging grassroots-level sports development in the region.

Winners of the championship were felicitated with medals and trophies by Delilah Lobo, MLA of the Siolim Constituency, Niyati Chimulkar, Vice President of the Association of Goa Wushu, along with the Sarpanch and Panchayat members. The competition was officiated by Ashok Mokashi and Sangamesh Layadagundi, National Judges (WAI) from the Karnataka Wushu Association, who served as official invitees for the event.

The championship saw enthusiastic participation from Wushu players across Goa in Sub-Junior, Junior and Senior categories for both boys and girls. Events were conducted in Taolu and Sanda disciplines across various weight categories. The Inter-College Wushu Competition was held separately, showcasing emerging talent from colleges across the state.

All participating athletes received participation certificates, while winners were awarded medals and certificates. Coaches and physical education teachers were presented with mementoes, and trophies were awarded to overall champion teams, marking the successful conclusion of the two-day sporting event.

Sports

CD Fountainhead Edge Past Rising Stars of Ponda by Three Wickets in GSB Unity Cup 3.0

Tanisha Cardozo

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.

Sports

Goa’s Arjun Kadam Qualifies as National Level Judo Referee

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji: Arjun Parshuram Kadam of Goa has brought pride to the state by successfully clearing the National Diploma in Officiating (NDIO) Examination conducted by the Judo Federation of India (JFI) from January 21 to 26, 2026, in Kolkata.


With this achievement, Kadam has secured JFI–A status, officially qualifying as a National Level Judo Referee. The NDIO examination is regarded as one of the most rigorous officiating certifications in the sport, assessing candidates on their understanding of judo rules, technical application, and on-mat decision-making under competitive conditions.

Expressing his happiness, Kadam credited his success to Mir Dias, Judo Coach at the Sports Authority of Goa, acknowledging his continuous guidance, technical support, and motivation throughout his journey in judo and officiating.

The achievement marks a significant milestone for the Goan sports fraternity and is expected to further strengthen the state’s representation in national-level judo competitions. Members of the judo community and sports officials have congratulated Kadam on his notable accomplishment.