Tag: Combat Sports

Sports

ACS Goa’s Young Kickboxers Shine at WAKO National Championship 2025 – Chennai

Tanisha Cardozo

ACS Goa proudly represented the state of Goa at the prestigious WAKO National Kickboxing Championship 2025, held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, from August 27 to 31. The event saw over 1500 athletes from across India compete at the highest national level. Despite having only 15 days of preparation, ACS Goa’s young athletes stepped onto the national stage with determination, focus, and unwavering spirit.

Making history for the academy, Erica J. de Sequeira (Older Cadets – -50kg) clinched a bronze medal in Kick Light (Full Contact Sparring), becoming the first-ever ACS Goa athlete to win a national kickboxing medal. Her performance was not just limited to one category—Erica also competed fiercely in Point Fight and Musical Forms, showcasing her versatility, technical skill, and passion for the sport.

Giovanna L. de Sequeira (Younger Cadets – 32kg) entered the national arena in Point Fight Sparring, bravely facing off in a highly competitive category that featured 23 talented young fighters. Though she didn’t medal, her courage and composure were evident as she gained vital national-level experience that will shape her future performances.

Another promising athlete, Veda Chandan Priolker (Children – 30kg), showed great promise in Point Fight Sparring. Her strong fundamentals, quick adaptability, and fighting spirit marked her as a young martial artist to watch in the coming years.

These athletes were led by Coach Raunak Singh, who served as Goa’s official representative at the championship. His leadership, combined with the dedication of the young fighters, resulted in a proud milestone not just for ACS Goa, but for the broader martial arts community in the state. This achievement marks a significant step forward for kickboxing in Goa, inspiring a new generation to train hard and aim high.

Sports

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

allycaralgoa

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.

Sports

Goa Fight League 2025: A Historic Debut Edition

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The inaugural Goa Fight League (GFL) made a thrilling impact on February 27, 2025, at the MIG Club, Don Bosco Oratory. This groundbreaking event brought together the crème de la crème of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) talent in Goa, setting the stage for a new era in combat sports.

The GFL 2025 featured 18 fierce competitors, all vying for top honors in their respective categories. The event was officiated by a team of experienced experts, including Coach Ronnyy (Raunak Singh), Instructor Ravinder Chand, and Erica J. de Sequeira.

MMA & BJJ No-Gi Highlights

The competition was intense, with several standout performances:

  • Giovanna L. de Sequeira: Dominated the kids’ division, securing multiple Gold medals.
  • Erica J. de Sequeira & Ravinder Chand: Excelled in the Freeweight categories, showcasing their exceptional skills.
  • Uddhav S. Madgaonkar & Francis Fernandes: Claimed MMA Gold in their respective groups, demonstrating their prowess in the cage.

A New Era for Combat Sports in Goa

The Goa Fight League 2025 marked a significant milestone in the development of combat sports in Goa. As the state’s first-ever MMA and BJJ league, it has paved the way for future generations of athletes to hone their skills and compete at the highest levels.

Stay Tuned for the Next Edition!

The success of the inaugural GFL has generated immense excitement and anticipation for the next edition. Fans and athletes alike can look forward to an even more electrifying experience, with new challenges, new champions, and a continued celebration of martial arts excellence in Goa.