Category: Sports

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.

Sports

Sinq Rangers Clinch Thrilling Super Over Win in GSB Unity Cup 3.0

Tanisha Cardozo

Margao witnessed a gripping cricket encounter on Sunday as Sinq Rangers defeated Ultracon Madgaon Royals in a thrilling Super Over contest in the GSB Unity Cup 3.0 tournament organised by the Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust at the MCC Ground.

Batting first, Sinq Rangers put up an imposing total of 196 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was built on a commanding 95-run opening partnership between captain Samrudh Bharne and Vismay Falgaonkar. Bharne struck a fluent 50 off 31 balls, including five fours and a six, while Falgaonkar contributed 50 off 39 balls with six boundaries. Nikhil Virginkar further accelerated the scoring with a blistering 50 off just 24 balls, smashing eight fours and a six. Sahil Adwalpalkar remained unbeaten on 21 as Rangers finished strongly.

In response, Ultracon Madgaon Royals matched the intensity from the outset, racing to 49 runs in the first six overs. Kartik Hattangadi scored a steady 50 off 35 balls with two fours and two sixes, while Sanat Prabhudessai added 50 off 34 balls, striking six boundaries. Captain Damodar Pai Patnekar chipped in with 32 runs, and Granthik Buyao’s crucial 16 runs in the final over ensured the Royals equalled the total at 196 for 6, pushing the match into a Super Over.

The Super Over brought heightened drama. Madgaon Royals managed only 4 runs in four balls, losing Granthik Buyao and Showmik Angle in the process, with Nikhil Virginkar claiming a wicket. Chasing 5 runs to win, Sinq Rangers showed composure under pressure. Samrudh Bharne took three runs off the first ball, and Vismay Falgaonkar struck a boundary off the second ball to seal the victory in emphatic fashion.

For their performances, Vismay Prabhugaonker received the Desserts n More Player of the Match award, while Nikhil Virginkar was presented with the Kamat Realty Hero of the Match award by Aditya Angle and Gurudatt Angle.

The match will be remembered as one of the most thrilling encounters of the tournament, showcasing high-quality cricket and nerves of steel from both teams in a dramatic Super Over finish.

Sports

All India Public Sector Football Tournament 2025–26 Kicks Off in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

The All India Public Sector Football Tournament 2025–26 was inaugurated in Goa in a grand ceremony led by Vipin Kumar, IAS, Chairman of the Airports Authority of India. The prestigious tournament brings together 12 elite teams representing leading Public Sector Undertakings from across the country, highlighting the spirit of unity and competitive excellence within the public sector.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Nivedita Dubey, Member (HR); Prem Prasad N, Regional Executive Director (WR); Suneel Dutt, Executive Director CNS; and Flt Lt Akash Deep Mathur, Airport Director, Goa International Airport. The presence of senior leadership underscored the importance of sports in fostering teamwork and camaraderie among public sector organisations.

Flt Lt Akash Deep Mathur welcomed the distinguished guests and participating teams, setting a positive tone for the tournament. The event was formally inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp and flag waving by the Chairman and dignitaries, symbolising the beginning of the competition.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Vipin Kumar encouraged the teams to uphold the values of team spirit, sportsmanship, resilience and discipline. He emphasised that tournaments such as these not only promote physical fitness but also strengthen bonds between organisations and inspire collective excellence.

The opening ceremony was marked by vibrant cultural programmes, including traditional Goan folk dance performances, adding local colour and celebration to the occasion. A grand players’ parade accompanied by a brass band further elevated the atmosphere, as participating teams marched with pride.

With 12 top PSU teams competing, the tournament promises exciting matches and high-level football action. Beyond the competition, the event stands as a celebration of unity, discipline and sporting excellence within India’s public sector community, setting the stage for spirited performances in the days ahead.

Sports

Formula 1 Returns to India: Revival Talks Begin for Buddh International Circuit

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

After more than a decade-long hiatus, India could soon witness the return of the world’s fastest motorsport spectacle — the Formula One World Championship.


The Government of India has reportedly initiated discussions to revive Formula 1 in the country, with the legendary Buddh International Circuit expected to host the event if plans materialise.

A Historic Track Ready for Revival

The Buddh International Circuit previously hosted the Indian Grand Prix from 2011 to 2013, drawing global attention and enthusiastic crowds. The circuit witnessed dominant performances by Sebastian Vettel, who secured memorable victories during India’s earlier stint on the F1 calendar.

Now, after 13 years, the roar of F1 engines could once again echo through Greater Noida.

What This Comeback Means for India

If successfully revived, Formula 1’s return would mark a significant milestone for India’s sporting and economic landscape.

The potential benefits include:

Boost to Tourism: Increased international visitors and global media exposure

Global Investment: Strengthened opportunities in sports infrastructure and business partnerships

International Recognition: Reinstating India on the global motorsport calendar

A Defining Moment for Motorsport Fans
The revival represents more than just a race — it signals India’s renewed ambition to position itself as a global sporting hub. For motorsport enthusiasts, it’s a chance to relive the electrifying atmosphere of packed grandstands and high-speed drama.
As discussions progress, fans across the country are hopeful that this could be the beginning of a powerful comeback story.

Sports

Clarence–Rajendra, Kane–Ruta Shine at BPS Open Pickleball Championship 2026 in Margao

Tanisha Cardozo

The BPS Open Pickleball Championship 2026 concluded on a high note at the iconic BPS Sports Club in Margao, delivering a final day packed with competitive intensity, close contests and commanding performances across categories.

Clarence Noronha and Rajendra Godinho capped off a strong campaign by clinching the Men’s Doubles 50+ title with a composed 11–5, 11–8 victory over Noel Noronha and Wilfred Jacques. Their consistency and control throughout the knockout rounds were evident, having earlier defeated Gaurav Sapra and Karan Singh 15–7 in the semifinals. In the quarterfinals, they had eliminated Lincoln and Savio Vales 15–5. Noel Noronha and Wilfred Jacques reached the final after overcoming Bipin Kantak and Subodh Shevde 15–8 in the semifinals and registering a commanding 15–1 win over Bosco Ravi Rebello and Ryan Costa in the quarterfinals.

In the Open Mixed Doubles final, Kane Roncon Pereira and Ruta Borkar delivered a dominant 11–2, 11–5 performance against Joshua Menezes and Audrey Menezes. The pair showcased sharp coordination and attacking precision, continuing the form that saw them defeat Vishnu and Aditi Chodankar 15–7 in the semifinals and Peter and Deepashree 15–3 in the quarterfinals. Joshua and Audrey had secured their final berth with a 15–6 win over Immanuel Rohan and Aarushi in the semifinals.

The Men’s Doubles (Open) category witnessed one of the most gripping finals of the tournament. Rahil Peris and Torcato Vaz rallied from a game down to defeat Immanuel Rohan and Joshua Menezes 6–11, 11–5, 11–7 in a thrilling three-game contest. Earlier, Rahil and Torcato had defeated Chinmay Kantak and Nihaal Borkar 15–6 in the semifinals, while Immanuel and Joshua edged past Anurag Agarwal and Kane Roncon Pereira 15–13 in a closely fought encounter.

In the Men’s Singles 35+ final, Immanuel Rohan overcame Nihaal Borkar 15–8, adding another highlight to his tournament run. Nihaal had progressed after defeating Nishant Verghese 15–5 in the semifinals, while Immanuel had secured his place in the final with a narrow 15–13 win over Tarun.

Across categories, the final day reflected the tournament’s competitive depth, featuring repeat matchups between seasoned rivals and tightly contested knockout games that kept spectators engaged throughout. The championship concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, marking the end of a successful three-day event that drew strong participation across age groups and categories at the BPS Sports Club, reinforcing Margao’s growing stature as a vibrant hub for pickleball in Goa.