Events in Goa

Historian Sanjeev Sardesai to Speak on ‘Unknown Goa, Unknown Goenkar’ at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias


On the occasion of World Tourism Day, historian and heritage promoter Sanjeev Sardesai will deliver a special public lecture titled ‘Unknown Goa, Unknown Goenkar’, hosted at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias in Panaji. This engaging session is part of the club’s ongoing centenary celebrations, marking 100 years of cultural and sporting legacy.

Scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 6 PM to 7 PM, the event aims to take audiences on a journey into Goa’s lesser-known historical narratives, people, and cultural nuances. Sardesai, known for his deep knowledge of Goan history and his dynamic storytelling, will uncover stories that lie beyond the commonly told tales, offering a fresh and insightful perspective on Goa’s multifaceted identity.

With a career dedicated to preserving and promoting Goan heritage, Sardesai’s talk is expected to explore the hidden layers of Goa’s past—its unsung heroes, vanishing traditions, and overlooked landmarks—inviting attendees to rediscover the richness of the state beyond the familiar.

The talk is open to the public and entry is free, making it an ideal event for history enthusiasts, students, cultural aficionados, and anyone curious about Goa’s roots. As World Tourism Day celebrates cultural exchange and sustainable travel, this lecture offers a meaningful way to reflect on the unique identity of Goa and its people.

For those who cherish Goa not just for its scenic beauty but for its soul, ‘Unknown Goa, Unknown Goenkar’ promises to be an enriching experience.

Events in Goa

Reputation Over Gimmicks: CA Santosh Kenkre Shares Timeless Lessons for Entrepreneurial Success


At the centenary celebrations of Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias in Panaji, renowned chartered accountant Santosh Kenkre delivered a thought-provoking talk on what truly drives entrepreneurial success in today’s competitive world. A respected figure in Goa’s financial and business circles, Kenkre used the platform to underscore a vital message: long-term success is built on the pillars of reputation, quality, and discipline — not shortcuts or gimmicks.

“Gimmicks may work in the short term. In the long run, it is quality that sells. Reputation is what keeps you in the game,” Kenkre stated emphatically, pointing to brands like Tata as a shining example of consumer trust and brand loyalty. “If Tata does something, we buy it blindly,” he added, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of trust.

Kenkre, who has served as chairman of the Goa State Co-operative Bank and head of the Goa Economic Development Corporation, also addressed Goa’s cultural discomfort with marketing. “In Goa, we are almost apologetic if not timid in advertising or marketing,” he said, urging local entrepreneurs to shed their hesitation. “Only if your products sell, will you get the money. To sustain a business, as a result of competition, you have to advertise or do marketing.”

He drew inspiration from political and corporate leaders alike. Recalling a 2013 meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Kenkre highlighted five lessons learned in just five minutes — open-mindedness, time management, relationship-building, public relations, and delegation. “These are qualities every entrepreneur must develop,” he said.

From the corporate world, Kenkre invoked the wisdom of Infosys founder NR Narayan Murthy. “Growth was never planned as an ambition, but came from steady increments in quality,” Kenkre paraphrased, driving home the point that quality and fair pricing are the ultimate business formula.

Beyond grand strategies, Kenkre found lessons in everyday systems, too. He noted that households — particularly those run by women — demonstrate some of the most efficient standard operating procedures (SOPs). “The multitasking and systems run by women in our households are unmatched. Businesses have much to learn from that discipline,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.

His lecture served as both a mirror and a guidebook — reflecting what Goan entrepreneurs may lack in marketing confidence but also pointing toward a path of value-based growth rooted in reputation, trust, and discipline. As Goa steps into new economic possibilities, Kenkre’s words offer a grounded, time-tested roadmap for sustainable success.

Sports

Susegado Strike Fight Night 3 Returns to Goa with Pralhad Panda’s Title Defense and Power-Packed Card


Miramar, Goa | June 27, 2025 — The excitement is palpable as Susegado Strike Fight Night 3, Goa’s premier professional boxing showcase, returns on June 28 at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, promising an electric evening of elite matchups, local pride, and rising stars in Indian boxing. The event, supported by Goa Tourism and sanctioned by the Indian Boxing Council (IBC), marks another major milestone in the state’s push toward building a serious combat sports culture.

Main Event: A Homegrown Hero Defends His Crown

All eyes will be on Goa’s own featherweight champion, Pralhad Panda, as he puts his IBC West Zone Featherweight Title on the line against Amit Kumar of Pune. The 29-year-old Panda, hailing from Bastora, captured the title at the previous edition of Fight Night and is now set to defend it on his home turf in front of an energized local crowd.

“Defending my belt in Goa means a lot to me. This is where I’ve trained all my life. I intend to make this opportunity count,” said Panda, signaling his readiness for an intense showdown.

The title fight is scheduled for eight rounds and serves as the headline bout of the night.

A Diverse and Dynamic Fight Card

The event boasts a six-bout lineup featuring 12 fighters from across India, including two women’s fights, making this edition the most inclusive and competitive to date.

Full Fight Card Includes:

  • 🥊 Main Event – Featherweight Title Fight
    Pralhad Panda (29, Goa) vs Amit Kumar (27, Pune)
  • 🥊 Men’s Super Flyweight
    Kailas Gauns (30, Chimbel, Goa) vs Prasad Katnoor (22, Virar)
  • 🥊 Women’s Super Flyweight
    Ramandeep Kaur (28, Bangalore) vs Rupika Rani (19, Abohar, Punjab)
  • 🥊 Women’s Light Flyweight
    Amruta Kale (25, Pune) vs Saanvi Gandhi (19, Chennai)
  • 🥊 Men’s Cruiserweight
    Ashish Ahlawat vs Taher Khuram (26, Mumbai; Afghan origin)
  • 🥊 Men’s Super Lightweight
    Maninder Singh (22, Barnala, Punjab) vs Bharany Velmurugan (30, Pondicherry)

All non-title bouts are scheduled for six rounds each. The official weigh-in ceremony will be held on June 27 at Fitness Bar, Panaji.

Growing Goa’s Pro Boxing Landscape

Susegado Strike’s founders — Luigson Fernandes, Clyde Lobo, and Prathamesh Naik — emphasized that this is not just a fight night, but a sustained effort to put Goa on India’s professional boxing map.

“Susegado Strike isn’t just about throwing punches—it’s about giving Indian boxers a stage they deserve and building a culture of professional boxing in Goa,” said Luigson Fernandes.

“We’ve curated this fight card based on merit, form, and readiness. Each matchup is designed to challenge and showcase talent,” added Clyde Lobo.

This edition also highlights gender inclusion in combat sports with two women’s bouts — a move the organizers call a step toward greater equity and representation.

“Our long-term goal is to make Goa a recurring stop on the national pro boxing circuit,” said Prathamesh Naik. “Fight Night 3 is not just a sporting event — it’s a blueprint for sports tourism, youth engagement, and athletic opportunity.”

Boxing with Purpose

Susegado Strike Fight Night 3 is more than a thrilling night of action — it’s a celebration of Goa’s emerging sporting identity. From nurturing homegrown heroes like Panda and Gauns to elevating the profile of Indian boxing, the event signals a future where Goan athletes punch above their weight on the national stage.

Events in Goa

Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias Celebrates 100 Years of Heritage and Sports


In a grand ceremony, Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias proudly inaugurated its centenary celebrations, marking 100 years of heritage, sports, and community. The occasion was graced by Hon. Governor of Goa, Shri P. S. Sreedharan Pillai, as Chief Guest, and Guest of Honour, Dr. Justice Shri Ferdino I. Rebello, of the High Court of Allahabad (Retd.).

The club’s centenary celebrations are a testament to its rich history and contributions to the world of sports, particularly tennis. Over the years, Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias has been a hub for tennis enthusiasts, providing a platform for players to hone their skills and compete at various levels.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by dignitaries, club members, and tennis enthusiasts from across the state.

The centenary celebrations will continue throughout the year, with a series of events, tournaments, and activities planned to commemorate this milestone achievement.

#AllycaralFeature 👒

Stage Set for the Tenth Edition of Gadre Gaspar Dias Open 2025; Tourney Logs Record 533 Entries 


~ The 10th edition of Goa’s premier tennis event sees a significant rise in participation, showcasing talent from seasoned professionals to promising juniors across multiple categories.

Panaji, Jan 2025 – The tenth edition of the Gadre Gaspar Dias Open 2025, a premier tennis tournament, is set to kick off at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias in Miramar on January 23. With a record breaking 533 entries received, the event promises a thrilling display of talent from a diverse range of participants, including veterans, seasoned professionals and promising juniors.

Organised jointly by Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Goa’s first tennis club and the Gadre Group, in collaboration with the Goa State Tennis Association (GSTA), the tournament has garnered tremendous interest this year in the tennis fraternity.

In the tournament’s Masters segment, the 45+ category has received the highest number of entries, 61, followed by 55 entries in the Masters doubles 90+ and 40 in the Masters doubles 110+ category. Other entries include 30 in the Masters doubles 120+, 32 in the Masters singles 60+ and 30 in the Masters singles 55+ category. The 35+ mixed doubles, the only mixed category in the Masters segment, has recorded 11 entries. 

The Open category also boasts significant participation, led by 118 entries in the men’s singles and 43 teams in the men’s doubles. The ladies’ singles category has drawn 28 entries, while the Open mixed doubles segment has 23 teams. In the junior divisions, the boys under-16 category has 26 entries, the girls under-16 category has 15 entries, the boys under-12 category has 13 entries, while eight players have registered to participate in the girls under-12 category.

“The Gadre Gaspar Dias Open continues to grow each year and the remarkable participation this time is a testament to its increasing popularity. The event not only highlights the competitive nature of tennis in Goa but also nurtures young talent, setting new standards for future tournaments,” said Sameer Kakodkar, President of the GSTA.

Arjun Gadre, owner of the Gadre Group, the event’s main associate, expressed his pride in the tournament’s continued success: “As we celebrate the 10th edition of the Gadre Gaspar Dias Open, it’s heartening to see how this tournament has become one of Goa’s premier sporting events. We remain committed to supporting Goa’s sporting community and look forward to another exciting competition filled with skill, sportsmanship and unforgettable moments.”

The tournament will begin with the Masters category matches commencing from January 23 to 26, followed by the highly anticipated Open category matches from January 27 to February 2.