Sports

Sanquelim and Don Bosco Panjim Storm into Next Round of Servo Cup Football Tournament


The Servo Cup โ€“ the 3rd All Goa Inter-Collegiate Football Tournament, organised by the Herald Group in association with the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs (DSYA), Directorate of Health Services (DHS) and Goa University, continued with two crucial knockout encounters at the Government Football Ground, St Cruz.

With the tournament entering its decisive phase, both matches were played in a do-or-die format, where defeat meant elimination. The matches were witnessed by Guest of Honour Captain Sandeep Bhujbal, who observed a day of intense, high-quality collegiate football.

Sanquelim edge past PG Goa University 3โ€“1

In the first knockout match, Government College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Sanquelim produced a composed and determined performance to overcome PG Goa University, Taleigao 3โ€“1.

Sanquelim took an early lead in the second minute when Nakul Gawas converted a fine assist from Ayan. The early breakthrough allowed Sanquelim to dominate possession and control the tempo. Despite creating several chances, including missed opportunities by Ayan and Ramnath Parab, the Sanquelim side maintained pressure.

Ramnath Parab eventually doubled the lead before PG Goa University briefly revived hopes through Janiton, who reduced the margin to 2โ€“1. However, Sanquelim remained disciplined, and Ramnath Parab sealed the contest with his second goal, ensuring a deserved 3โ€“1 victory and progression to the next round.

Don Bosco Panjim register emphatic 6โ€“0 win

The second knockout fixture saw Don Bosco College, Panjim deliver a dominant display against Agnel Institute of Technology & Design (AITD), Assagao, cruising to a comprehensive 6โ€“0 win.

Vismay Dawre opened the scoring early, setting the tone for a one-sided contest. Don Bosco controlled possession throughout, creating consistent attacking opportunities. Ajay Raj emerged as the star of the match, netting the first hat-trick of the tournament with one goal in the first half and two more after the break.

Shubert Borges also found the net as Don Boscoโ€™s attacking unit overwhelmed AITD, who struggled to cope with the pace and precision of their opponents. The convincing victory secured Don Bosco Panjimโ€™s place in the next round.

With the tournament intensifying, the Servo Cup continues to showcase the depth of footballing talent across Goaโ€™s collegiate circuit.

#faith

Our Lady of Fatima Feast at Don Bosco, Panjim Welcomes Pilgrim Virgin Statue and Relics for Public Veneration


The Our Lady of Fatima Feast at Don Bosco, Panjim, holds deep spiritual significance this year as the faithful welcome two sacred gifts from Portugal โ€” the Pilgrim Virgin statue, donated by the Bishop of Fatima, and the relics of Saints Francesco and Jacinta Marto, the young visionaries of Fatima.

The arrival of the statue and relics marks a moment of grace for the local Catholic community, offering the faithful a chance for reflection, prayer, and renewed devotion. The relics and statue are displayed for public veneration, drawing parishioners, pilgrims, and visitors alike.

The Feast of Our Lady of Fatima commemorates the Blessed Virgin Maryโ€™s apparitions to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917 โ€” a message centered on faith, repentance, and peace.

This yearโ€™s celebration at Don Bosco not only honors this enduring legacy but also strengthens the spiritual connection between Goa and Fatima.

The event, attended by clergy, parishioners, and the faithful from across Goa, is a testament to the enduring message of hope, compassion, and unity that continues to inspire generations.

โ€” Reported by Allycaral | Connecting Global

Sports

Sonics U17 Basketball League 2025 Tips Off with Dominant Wins by Sunshine, Loyola, and Don Bosco Teams


The Sonics U17 Basketball League 2025 tipped off with high-energy performances and enthusiastic participation at the Youth Hostel in Miramar, Goa. Organised by the Sonics Sports & Cultural Youth Club under the aegis of the Goa Basketball Association, the league aims to nurture grassroots talent and provide a competitive platform for youth basketball across the state during the Diwali vacation.

Opening day action featured five tightly-contested matches that highlighted both skill and sportsmanship. Don Bosco Fatorda (DBF) set the tone with a solid 28โ€“15 victory over Navy Childrenโ€™s School. Sean and Arjun led the scoring with 8 and 7 points respectively, ensuring a confident start for their team.

In what turned out to be one of the most exciting games of the day, Sunshine edged out Kamikaze 33โ€“32 in a thrilling encounter. Afzal scored 12 points and Devyansh added 10, marking himself as one of the standout players of the day. Sunshine would go on to win their second game as well, comfortably defeating Brown Ballers 36โ€“16. Devyansh once again dominated with 15 points, while Faaz contributed 5 points for the opposition.

Loyola delivered a commanding performance against Ponda, finishing the game 25โ€“05. Conrad and Anurag were instrumental in securing the win, combining solid offense with effective teamwork. Don Bosco Panjim followed with a dominant win over Lourdes, closing the match at 50โ€“17. Nathaniel and Tanish were the key scorers, with 10 and 8 points respectively, as Don Bosco Panjim showcased an aggressive and organized style of play.

The tournament was formally inaugurated by Sandeep Heble, Vice President of the Goa Basketball Association, who emphasized the importance of such leagues in building the next generation of athletes. He was joined by organising members Andriel Fernandes and Lambert Godinho, who reiterated the clubโ€™s commitment to promoting sports and youth engagement across Goa.

With a promising start and enthusiastic participation, the Sonics U17 Basketball League 2025 is set to deliver an exciting series of matchups and memorable moments. As the league continues, young athletes will have the opportunity to showcase their skills, build team spirit, and compete at a high levelโ€”all within the scenic and festive backdrop of Diwali in Goa.