Category: Sports

Sports

World Legends Pro T20 League Brings Cricket to the Sands of Goa at Miramar Beach

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Goa, 1st February 2026 – The World Legends Pro T20 League brought cricket out of the stadium and onto the sands of Miramar Beach, creating a one-of-a-kind beach cricket experience that united legends, local leaders, and children in a celebration of sport, community, and Goan hospitality.

The evening sun set the perfect backdrop as cricket icons Eoin Morgan, Piyush Chawla, and Shikhar Dhawan shared the sand with young enthusiasts, while Michael Clarke added a playful touch by umpiring the session. Far from competitive matches, the beach cricket activity focused on fun, inclusion, and shared experiences, with children batting freely, legends diving into the sand, and leaders cheering from the sidelines.

The event was attended by distinguished Goan leaders, including:

  • Shri Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, IT, Electronics & Communications
  • Shri Govind Gaude, Ex-Sports Minister
  • MLAs Priol, Mayem, Pernem, Cumbharjua
  • Shri Kedar Naik, Director Tourism

Shri Rohan Khaunte said, “Goa is carving a strong identity as a premier sports tourism destination. Initiatives like the World Legends Pro T20 League showcase how sport can come alive beyond stadiums and become part of the Goan experience, connecting legends, leaders, and children in an inclusive way.”

Mahesh Bhupathi, CEO of the league, added, “Seeing legends, respected leaders, and children share the same space and enjoy the game reflects exactly what the World Legends Pro T20 League stands for—connecting cricket with the community.”

The beach cricket session reinforced Goa’s reputation for blending sport, tourism, and community engagement, offering fans and players alike a chance to enjoy the game in a relaxed, joyful environment. The session also complements the ongoing matches at the Goa 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium, emphasizing the league’s mission to create meaningful off-field experiences.

With laughter, smiles, and sand-filled cricket balls, the Miramar Beach session captured cricket at its most human—playful, inclusive, and deeply rooted in shared experiences.

Tickets for the World Legends Pro T20 League are available on BookMyShow, allowing fans to witness the excitement at the stadium while cherishing memories from the beach cricket extravaganza.

Sports

Martin Guptill’s century powers Pune Panthers to massive 130-run win over Dubai Royals

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Goa, 31 January 2026: A commanding century from Martin Guptill, backed by a disciplined all-round bowling effort, propelled Pune Panthers to a comprehensive 130-run victory over Dubai Royals in the 11th match of the World Legends Pro T20 League at the 1919 Sportz Stadium in Verna.


Batting first, Pune Panthers made an aggressive start as the openers raced to 54 runs within the first four overs. Upul Tharanga departed early for 14, but Guptill continued to dominate alongside captain Shane Watson. Carrying forward his fine form from the previous match, the New Zealand batter registered the fastest half-century of the tournament, reaching the milestone in just 20 balls.

Guptill maintained a relentless scoring pace throughout the innings, combining clean timing with powerful strokes to find the boundary regularly. He brought up his century in 44 balls before being dismissed by Piyush Chawla. Watson kept the momentum going with a brisk 27-ball half-century, while useful contributions down the order helped Pune Panthers post the highest total of the tournament, finishing on 219 for 9.

In reply, Dubai Royals’ chase faltered early as opener Kirk Edwards was dismissed in the first over, followed quickly by Amit Verma and captain Shikhar Dhawan, leaving the side struggling at 8 for 3 inside two overs. Despite brief attempts to rebuild, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.

Pune’s bowlers maintained tight lines and sustained pressure, preventing Dubai Royals from forming any meaningful partnerships. Abhishek Sakhuja starred with the ball, returning figures of four wickets in his four overs, as Dubai Royals were bundled out for 89 in 13.5 overs.

The victory comes at a crucial stage for Pune Panthers, who had recorded only one win prior to the match. The result moves them to third place on the points table with four points, keeping them firmly in contention as the league stage progresses.

Earlier in the day, Rajasthan Lions sealed their place in the semi-finals with a 27-run win over Gurugram Thunders. A fluent 78 from Eoin Morgan laid the foundation for Rajasthan’s total of 208, supported by late contributions from Callum Ferguson, Suresh Raina and Angelo Perera. Sreesanth struck early with the ball, setting the tone for the defense. Despite resistance from Colin de Grandhomme and Ross Taylor, Gurugram Thunders were restricted to 181, confirming Rajasthan Lions’ semi-final qualification.

Sports

Serbian ‘Fire and Ice’ Pair Sizzle at Gadre Gaspar Dias Open 2026

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From Serbia’s cold winters to Goa’s sun-soaked courts, Milica Rakovic and Mladen Petrovic have found a rhythm that blends sport, lifestyle, and partnership. At the Gadre Gaspar Dias Open 2026, the Belgrade-based duo proved that age is just a number, winning the Masters 35+ mixed doubles title with flair and chemistry.

Both aged 55, the couple escapes the harsh Serbian winter each year to make Mandrem, Goa, their seasonal home. While Milica practices yoga and balances her professional life as an investment banker, Mladen—an interior and industrial designer—embraces the laid-back Goan spirit. Together, however, they transform into what many now call “fire and ice” on the tennis court.

Their triumph came at the recently concluded Masters segment of the tournament held at the historic Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, a venue steeped in over a century of tennis tradition.

“We tried to win this tournament for three years and practiced especially for it,” Milica shared. “Winning it on our third attempt makes it even more special, as this is a very high-quality competition.”

For Mladen, the victory is as much about gratitude as achievement. “Each trophy is a relief and a blessing until the next tournament. But the Gadre Gaspar Dias Open means a lot to us—it’s a serious club with a long tradition. And the hospitality we receive here, thousands of miles from home, is truly special.”

Their tennis journeys, however, were not without challenges. Growing up in an erstwhile socialist country, tennis was often seen as an elitist sport. “Collective sports like football and basketball were prioritised,” Mladen recalls. Ironically, his introduction to tennis came as a form of discipline. “I was a misbehaved kid, so my parents sent me to the nearest tennis club to keep me out of trouble. That’s how it all began.”

Milica’s journey began at age 12, when she was drawn to the elegance of players dressed in white near her home court. Introduced to the game by her uncle, she went on to earn a full tennis scholarship to study Economics in the United States and later at the University of Cambridge.

Meeting five years ago through a mutual friend, the couple bonded over tennis and soon began competing together. “We travel with our rackets everywhere,” says Milica. “From courts surrounded by pine trees in Sicily to banyan trees in our home-away-from-home in Anjuna, tennis connects us to places and people.”

On balancing competition and companionship, Milica laughs, “We’re super competitive on court and do have disagreements. But once we step off the court, everything is forgotten—except maybe how one should drive in India.”

Mladen sums it up best: “When she becomes fire, I try to be ice. When she’s ice, I become fire. That’s the secret.”

Sports

Praneeth, Parth–Arnav Charge Into Finals at Gadre Gaspar Dias Open 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

The Gadre Gaspar Dias Open 2026 continued to deliver high-quality tennis and edge-of-the-seat encounters as the tournament moved into its decisive stages in Panaji. Men’s Singles saw Praneeth produce a composed and resilient performance to overcome Eshaan in a closely contested three-set semifinal, clinching the match 7-5, 5-7, 11-9 to book his place in the final. In the other semifinal, Parth Deorurkhkar showcased grit and tactical awareness, bouncing back after dropping the second set to defeat Ashwin 6-2, 2-6, 10-5.

The men’s doubles competition witnessed Parth Deorurkhkar and Arnav Bansode maintaining their impressive run, defeating Maaz and Arnav H. 7-6(4), 6-2 to progress into the final. They will face Ashwin and Prathamesh, who edged past Paul and Nilesh 6-3, 7-5 in a competitive semifinal.

In the women’s singles semifinals, Unnathi staged a strong comeback after losing the opening set to defeat Sonicka 1-6, 6-4, 10-7. She will meet Nidi S, a first-time contestant, who caused a major upset by defeating defending champion Trisha Vinod in the other semifinal, setting up an exciting final clash.

Junior categories produced emphatic performances, with Gargi delivering a dominant display to claim the Girls Under-12 title, defeating Urvi 4-0, 4-0. In the Boys Under-12 segment, Divyaraj advanced to the final with a straight-sets win over Ethan. The Under-16 categories also saw decisive outcomes, as Kyan and Arav progressed to the boys’ final, while Tvisha advanced in the girls’ segment following Kimberly’s retirement due to injury.

Doubles events added further excitement, with Sonicka and Nidi reaching the ladies’ doubles final after a hard-fought win over Riya and Unnathi, while Trisha and Anupama sealed their place with a commanding victory over Tvisha and Bhavya. Mixed doubles semifinals saw contrasting contests, including a tight win for Anupama and Eshaan and a dominant performance by Trisha and Maaz.

Jointly organised by Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias and the Gadre Group in association with the Goa State Tennis Association, the tournament has drawn a record 555 entries across Masters and Open segments, underlining its growing stature on the Indian tennis calendar and setting the stage for an exciting finals day.

Sports

Naman Ojha, Shadab Jakati Shine as Rajasthan Lions Seal Second League Win

Tanisha Cardozo

Rajasthan Lions continued their impressive run in the World Legends Pro T20 League by registering a comfortable six-wicket victory over Pune Panthers in the ninth match of the tournament at Goa on January 30, 2026. Chasing a modest target, the Lions showcased composure and experience, completing the chase in just 15.1 overs to secure two valuable points.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pune Panthers struggled early despite opening with experienced campaigners Upul Tharanga and Martin Guptill. Guptill struck a couple of crisp boundaries before falling in the opening over, while Shane Watson departed soon after, leaving Pune reeling at 30 for 3. Rajasthan’s bowlers applied consistent pressure, making run-scoring difficult during the early stages.

A crucial 87-run partnership between Tharanga and Kieron Pollard revived Pune’s innings. Pollard, playing his first match of the tournament, looked in sublime touch, clearing the ropes with ease before being dismissed for 48. Tharanga narrowly missed his half-century, scoring 49, but once the pair departed, Pune lost momentum and wickets fell in quick succession. The Panthers were eventually bowled out for 144 in 18.2 overs, with Shadab Jakati starring with figures of 3 for 13 and support coming from every bowler.

Rajasthan Lions’ chase did not begin smoothly, as captain Eoin Morgan, Callum Ferguson and Suresh Raina fell cheaply. Amid the early setbacks, Naman Ojha once again proved his value, anchoring the innings with a well-crafted 51 off 28 deliveries. His calm presence steadied the chase and allowed Rajasthan to regain control.

After Ojha’s dismissal, JP Duminy ensured there were no further hiccups, combining with birthday boy Ben Cutting in a brisk partnership that sealed the game. Duminy remained unbeaten on 37, while Cutting struck the winning runs, wrapping up a comprehensive victory for the Lions.

The result further strengthens Rajasthan Lions’ position in the league standings and highlights their balanced combination of experienced batting and disciplined bowling as the tournament progresses.