Category: Sports

Sports

International Master Nitish Belurkar Clinches Durga Motors Rapid Chess Tournament 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Nitish Belurkar emerged victorious at the Durga Motors Rapid Rated Chess Tournament–2026, organised by the Rotary Club of Porvorim at Dr KB Hedgewar High School in Bambolim. The two-day event concluded on Sunday with participation from 260 players, making it one of the largest rapid-rated chess tournaments held in Goa.

Belurkar delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 8.5 points across nine rounds and remaining undefeated throughout the tournament. His consistent play secured him the overall championship title.

The second position was claimed by Niraj Saripalli, who also scored 8 points but finished ahead on superior tie-break scores. Ritviz Parab secured the third position with 8 points.

The annual tournament was organised in association with the Tiswadi Taluka Chess Association and the Goa Chess Association. A total cash prize pool of ₹2.5 lakh was distributed across open and age-group categories.

In addition to the main prizes, winners were recognised in Under-7, Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, and Under-15 categories for both boys and girls. Veteran players aged above 45 years were also felicitated. To encourage emerging talent, cash prizes were awarded to the top five unrated players.

The prize distribution ceremony was attended by Prateek Sapra, owner of Durga Motors and title sponsor, Dr Pramod Dubale, co-sponsor, Harsh Thakkar, President of Rotary Club of Porvorim, and Ashesh Keni, Secretary of Goa State Chess Association. The tournament proceedings were conducted by Chief Arbiter Umesh Naik.

Speaking at the event, Harsh Thakkar stated that the Rotary Club of Porvorim continues to organise the tournament annually with the objective of promoting chess across Goa and nurturing young talent in the sport.

With increasing participation numbers each year, the tournament reflects the growing popularity of chess in Goa and the strengthening of the state’s competitive chess ecosystem.

Sports

Six Xavierites Shine as Goa University Women’s Football Team Secures Podium Finish at West Zone Championship

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

Six Xavierites have brought pride to their institution as members of the Goa University Women’s Football Team, which secured third place at the West Zone Inter University Football Championship held in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh.
Representing St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa  in the university squad were:


1. Elena Pereira (SYBCOM)
2. Simran Narvekar (TYBCOM)
3. Saniya Pednekar (TYBA)
4. Geuel D’Souza (FYBCOM)
5. Vidhita Gadekar (FYBCOM)
6. Tanvi Parulekar (TYBCOM)

Adding to the pride, Worrel D’Souza, Assistant Professor in the Department of BCA at St. Xavier’s College, served as the Assistant Coach and Goalkeeping Coach for the Goa University team, playing a crucial role in the squad’s successful campaign.

The achievement highlights the growing strength of women’s football in Goa and reflects the dedication, teamwork, and sporting excellence of these young athletes on the inter-university stage.

Sports

Ponda Sports Complex Renamed as Ravi Naik Sports Complex in Presence of CM Pramod Sawant

Tanisha Cardozo

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant attended the naming ceremony of the Ponda Sports Complex as the Ravi Naik Sports Complex at Ponda, marking a significant occasion for the region’s sporting infrastructure. The event was held in the presence of Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, Commissioner for NRI Affairs Adv. Narendra Sawaikar, Chairman of the Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir, Ponda, Ritesh Ravi Naik, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs Dr. Ajay Gaude, and other dignitaries.

The renaming of the sports complex reflects recognition of contributions made toward the development of sports and community engagement in the region. The ceremony brought together government officials, sports administrators, and members of the local community, highlighting the importance of strengthening sports infrastructure in Goa.

The Ravi Naik Sports Complex serves as a key venue for sporting activities and youth engagement in Ponda. With continued investment in infrastructure and policy support from the state government, Goa aims to nurture talent and encourage greater participation in sports at grassroots and competitive levels.

The presence of senior officials at the ceremony underscored the government’s commitment to promoting sports as a vital component of youth development and community building. The renaming ceremony marks another step in enhancing facilities and recognizing individuals who have contributed to the growth of sports in the state.

Sports

RC Goa, Dempo Challengers Register Convincing Wins in PGML 5.0

Tanisha Cardozo

RC Goa and Dempo Challengers registered comfortable victories in their respective matches in the ongoing PGML 5.0 cricket tournament organised by Panjim Gymkhana at the Campal ground in Panaji.

In the first match of the day, Desserts N More Avengers, after being invited to bat, were bowled out for 108 runs in 19.5 overs. Vikas Shetty anchored the innings with a well-made 50 off 36 balls, striking two fours and three sixes, while Muktiar Kadri added 24 runs. However, the rest of the batting line-up struggled to build partnerships. Aryan Mashelkar led the bowling attack for RC Goa with an impressive spell of 3 for 16, well supported by Rajshekhar Harikant, Ramnath Gaonkar and others.

In reply, RC Goa chased down the target in just 11.3 overs despite losing five wickets. Aryan Mashelkar capped off an excellent all-round performance by scoring 31 runs off 25 balls. Captain Rajshekhar Harikant contributed 23 runs, while Ramnath Gaonkar added 19 to steady the innings. Aryan Mashelkar was adjudged Player of the Match for his impactful contributions with both bat and ball.

In the second encounter, Sun Estate Warriors batted first and were all out for 125 runs in 18.1 overs. Abhijit Bhandare played a blistering knock of 51 off just 20 balls, smashing seven fours and three sixes, while Dhilan Shah supported with 28 runs. For Dempo Challengers, Aditya Angle and Prashant Pangam picked up two wickets each to restrict the opposition.

Chasing 126 for victory, Dempo Challengers reached the target in 16.5 overs, finishing at 126 for 3. Vedant Naik produced a match-winning innings of 52 off 28 balls, which included three fours and four sixes. Sameer Chodankar added a steady 28 runs to guide the chase. Vedant Naik was named Player of the Match for his decisive contribution.

With consistent performances and competitive fixtures, the PGML 5.0 tournament continues to deliver exciting cricket action at the Panaji Gymkhana ground.

Sports

RC Goa Enter Final; Priority Titans Survive Super Over Thriller in PGM L 5.0

Tanisha Cardozo

RC Goa stormed into the final of the PGM L 5.0 Cricket Tournament organised by Panjim Gymkhana after defeating Baale Tigers by four wickets in Qualifier 1 at the Panaji Gymkhana ground in Campal. The much-anticipated final will be played on February 22.

In the morning clash between table-toppers RC Goa and second-placed Baale Tigers, RC Goa won the toss and elected to bowl in what turned out to be a low-scoring contest. Baale Tigers were bowled out for 117 runs in 19.5 overs, with Samar Dubhashi top-scoring with 33 runs, Lakshay Garg adding 27, and Dhiraj Fadte contributing 20. Ramnath Gaonkar was the standout performer with the ball, delivering a fiery spell of 4 for 17, while Gauresh Khandepakar and Nakul Mhamal chipped in with a wicket each.

Chasing 118 for victory, RC Goa faced early setbacks and were reduced to 59 for 4 in 12 overs. Ramnath Gaonkar once again made an impact, scoring 27 crucial runs. After his dismissal, RC Goa found themselves in trouble at 87 for 6. However, Gauresh Khandepakar rose to the occasion with a blistering unbeaten 24 off just 8 balls, including three sixes and a four, steering the team home in 19 overs with one over to spare.

In the Eliminator, Priority Titans defeated Manas Mavericks in a thrilling Super Over encounter. Batting first, Priority Titans piled up 199 for 5 in 20 overs, with Adeep Miskin scoring a quickfire 50 off 28 balls and Rijul Pathak adding 38. In response, Manas Mavericks matched the total at 199 for 9, thanks to half-centuries from Avishkar Mone and vital contributions from Sairaj Dhond and Pranav Biche, pushing the contest into a Super Over.

The Super Over drama saw Manas Mavericks lose both wickets without scoring a run. Priority Titans required just one run to win and secured victory off the very first ball, booking their place in Qualifier 2 against Baale Tigers. With high-intensity matches and dramatic finishes, the tournament at Panaji Gymkhana continues to deliver thrilling cricket action as the race to the title intensifies.