Tag: Chicalim

Sports

Advocates Cricket League Season 7 to Begin December 21 in Goa

allycaralgoa

Panaji: The much-anticipated seventh season of the Advocates Cricket League (ACL) is set to commence on December 21, promising thrilling T20 action featuring teams from Goa’s vibrant legal fraternity. League matches will be hosted at Chicalim, Vasco, while the semi-finals and final will take place at the prestigious Goa Cricket Association (GCA) ground in Porvorim.

Following a successful auction conducted at the High Court premises in Porvorim, all participating franchises have finalised their 16-member squads. The league phase will run from December 21 to December 29, with two matches scheduled daily at 9.15 am and 1.30 pm. December 25 will be observed as a holiday, with no matches scheduled.

The opening day will see 18 Juners face Lotlikar Lions in the morning fixture, followed by Lawyer Challengers taking on United Brothers in the afternoon. Other notable league encounters include Risers versus Legal Titans, Lotlikar Lions against United Brothers, and several high-voltage clashes involving Lawyer Challengers, 18 Juners, and Risers.

At the conclusion of the league stage, the top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled on January 9, 2026. The first semi-final will see Rank 1 play Rank 4 at 9.15 am, followed by Rank 2 versus Rank 3 at 1.30 pm. The grand finale, to be played under floodlights, is scheduled for January 10, 2026, at 6.00 pm.

ACL President Iftikhar Agha expressed optimism ahead of the tournament, stating that the league has grown stronger with every passing season. He highlighted the enthusiasm shown by team owners and players during the auction, emphasizing that the league aims to promote healthy competition, camaraderie, and sportsmanship while providing a professional platform for advocates to showcase their cricketing talent.

Defending champions UB Warriors will look to retain their title, while teams including Lawyer Challengers, Legal Titans, Lotlikar Lions, Risers, United Brothers, and 18 Juners aim to make a strong mark in what promises to be a closely contested season.

With the Season 7 trophy unveiled and fixtures announced, excitement continues to build as the Advocates Cricket League prepares to deliver another memorable chapter in Goa’s sporting calendar.

Sports

15th SKF Goa River Marathon Gears Up to ‘Pace for Peace’ on December 14

Tanisha Cardozo

The 15th edition of the SKF Goa River Marathon (SKF-GRM) is set to take place on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the scenic Chicalim Panchayat Ground in Goa. With its unique theme this year—“Pace for Peace”—the marathon is more than just a test of physical endurance; it is a symbolic stand for unity and harmony in an increasingly fractured world.

Organised by the Vasco Sports Club, the SKF-GRM is one of India’s most popular long-distance running events, drawing elite athletes, passionate amateurs, and fitness enthusiasts from across India and overseas. According to Vasco Sports Club president Nitin Bandekar, this year’s marathon is expected to witness a record participation of 7,500 runners. “The response this year was very heartening. Our event continues to generate significant revenues for the local tourism sector in Goa,” he said during a press conference.

Participants can choose from five distinct race categories tailored to various endurance levels: Full Marathon (42.2 km), 20 Miler (32 km), Half Marathon (21.1 km), 10 km, and 5 km. The total prize pool of ₹8 lakhs makes it an attractive proposition for serious competitors, while the scenic coastal course ensures it remains a bucket-list experience for first-timers.

The title sponsor, SKF India, continues its longstanding support of the event. “At SKF, we are proud to be the Title Sponsor of the Goa River Marathon – a celebration of endurance, community, and movement. GRM reflects our mission to fight friction and push boundaries, just like sport does,” said Mukund Vasudevan, Managing Director of SKF India (Industrial).

Beyond the race itself, the SKF-GRM offers runners the opportunity to compete on a global scale. Rakesh Unny, Secretary of the Vasco Sports Club, revealed that timing results from the SKF-GRM will be ranked by the Abbott World Marathon Majors, enabling qualifying runners to aim for elite global marathons such as those in London, Boston, New York, and Chicago.

Adding a unique flair to this year’s edition are two special events: a Carbohydrate Loading Dinner the night before the race to help runners fuel up, and a Post-Race Sports Festival Rave at 4 PM on race day to celebrate achievement and community.

The SKF Goa River Marathon has steadily grown to become more than just a sporting event. It is a celebration of human spirit, resilience, and now, a message of peace. Registrations are currently open for all race categories, with thousands already signed up to take part in this historic event.

As the sun rises over Chicalim on December 14, thousands of feet will pound the earth not just for personal glory—but for peace, purpose, and the sheer joy of movement.