Tag: community sports

Sports

Goa Tourism Inspires the Next Generation of Cricketers through World Legends Pro T20 League Trophy Tour

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji, February 2, 2026: In a bid to inspire young talent and promote inclusive participation in sports, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in association with the World Legends Pro T20 League, organised a Trophy Tour and Player Interaction at the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) Ground in Porvorim.


The initiative aimed to motivate youth and women to actively engage in sports by offering meaningful interaction with legendary cricketers while highlighting the unifying power of sport. Aspiring sportspersons, students, and cricket enthusiasts gathered for an evening filled with inspiration, learning, and celebration.

The programme featured an interactive Q&A session where participants gained insights into the journeys, challenges, and experiences of professional cricketers. To further boost engagement, a fun quiz segment was conducted, with official merchandise and match tickets awarded to winners. The event concluded with a photo session, allowing attendees to capture memorable moments with the players and the World Legends Pro T20 League trophy.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted the transformative role of sports, stating that sports inspire confidence, resilience, leadership, and values such as teamwork, discipline, and inclusivity. He reaffirmed Goa’s commitment to nurturing talent and creating opportunities for participation across all sections of society.

The event began with a warm welcome by the emcee, setting an inclusive and engaging tone for the evening. The Trophy Tour and Player Interaction formed part of the lead-up to the World Legends Pro T20 League matches in Goa and reflected the Department of Tourism’s continued efforts to promote sports tourism while fostering empowering community-driven experiences.

Sports

AGDBYA’s 8th Daivadnya Cricket Cup 2026 Concludes Successfully at Fatorda

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Fatorda, January 2026: The 8th edition of the Akhil Gomantakiya Daivadnya Brahmin Youth Association’s (AGDBYA) Daivadnya Cricket Cup 2026 was held on January 17 and 18, 2026, at the S.A.G Ground, Fatorda, witnessing enthusiastic participation from across Goa.


The concluding ceremony was attended by Dr. Geeta Nagvenkar, Member Secretary of the Goa State Pollution Control Board, as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Chitra D. Lotlikar, a General Medicine Practitioner, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.

During the ceremony, national weightlifting champion Miss Sakshi Haldankar was felicitated with the Daivadnya Sports Achiever Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements in sports.

A total of 17 teams from across Goa participated in the tournament, including two women’s teams and two kids’ teams, highlighting the inclusive nature of the event. AGDBYA President Smt. Seema Rohit Vernekar welcomed the guests and dignitaries and briefed the gathering on the association’s various sporting initiatives, social activities and community service programmes conducted throughout the year.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Dr. Geeta Nagvenkar appreciated AGDBYA for organising the tournament in a professional manner and lauded the association’s efforts in promoting sports and community engagement. She also thanked the organisers for inviting her to be part of the concluding ceremony.

The grand prize distribution ceremony, attended by over 200 people, saw winning teams, runners-up and individual performers being felicitated with trophies and awards.

Prize Winners:

Men’s Winners: Shree Bodgeshwar

Men’s Runners-up: Vernekar Warriors

Man of the Series: Amrut Verlekar

Best Batsman: Amrut Verlekar

Best Bowler: Siddhesh Vernekar

Man of the Match (Final): Atharv Verlekar

Best Catch: Mahendra Karekar

Maximum Sixes: Amrut Verlekar

Emerging Player: Sahil Verlekar

Women’s Winners: Super Strikers

Women’s Runners-up: Dakshin Warriors

Player of the Match (Women’s): Nishita Pednekar

Kids’ Winners: Royal 11


The programme was compered by Miss Aishani Lotlikar and Dr. Rajvi Lotlikar, while Mrs. Sampada Nagvekar, Secretary of AGDBYA, proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the guests, participants and organisers for making the event a grand success.

Sports

Unity Cup 3.0 Auction Sees Vikrant Prabhu Bag Top Bid in Franchise-Style Bidding War

Tanisha Cardozo

The atmosphere was electric at Taj Vivanta, Panaji, as the Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust hosted the highly anticipated players’ auction for the Alcon GSB Unity Cup 3.0. Drawing participation from franchise owners, stakeholders, and supporters, the event marked a significant evolution in the tournament’s journey with the introduction of a franchise and auction-based format for the first time.

A total of 184 registered players went under the hammer as 10 franchises battled to build their dream squads. The highlight of the evening was Vikrant Prabhu, who emerged as the most expensive player of the auction, fetching a record-breaking 50 lakh points from CD Fountainheads.

Among the other top picks were Granthik Buyao (29L – Altracon Madgaon Royals), Arsh Sardesai (28L – Vimson Panaji Powerplay), Aditya Dalal (28L – KK Strikers), Animesh Prabhugaonkar (38L – Priority Titans), and Kaushal Hattangadi (32L – Desserts N More Avengers).

The event also featured the grand unveiling of the glittering GSB Unity Cup trophy, adding a ceremonial charm to the occasion. Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust President Siddhit Raiturkar welcomed Chief Guest Rajesh Dempo and Guest of Honour Yogiraj Kamat, who lauded the flawless organization and community engagement.

Several icon players attended in full team spirit, donning their franchise jerseys. The event honored past MCC leaders Yogesh Naik and Apoorva Bhembre for their contributions to sport and community development. Gaurav Borkar received special appreciation for developing custom software that streamlined the auction process.

Guest of Honour Yogiraj Kamat emphasized that the Unity Cup, despite the relatively small size of the GSB community in Goa, has become a powerful platform for unity, youth engagement, and sporting excellence. Chief Guest Rajesh Dempo congratulated the organizers for their sustained commitment to sports as a medium for community building.

With 25 league matches lined up, the third edition of the Alcon GSB Unity Cup promises a new level of professionalism, strategy, and excitement. This edition isn’t just about cricket — it’s about bringing people together, igniting talent, and fostering unity through the love of the game.