Tag: DSYA

Sports

9th State-Level Tribal Sports Festival to Be Held in Canacona from January 9–11, 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The 9th edition of the State-Level Tribal Sports Festival will be organised from January 9 to 11, 2026, at Adarsh Gram, Amone, in Canacona. The festival is being conducted as part of the Government of India’s special policy for the upliftment of the Scheduled Tribes community under the Tribal Sub-Plan, with a strong focus on promoting sports and physical activity among tribal youth.

The event is being organised by the Sports Authority of Goa in collaboration with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, continuing an initiative that has been in place since 2011. Over the years, the Tribal Sports Festival has evolved into a significant platform for identifying and nurturing sporting talent within tribal communities across the state.

Previous editions of the festival have featured sports such as Volleyball, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Tennis Ball Cricket, Tug-of-War, Langadi, Lagori, Vithu Dandu and other traditional games, conducted under the technical guidance of respective State Sports Associations. The details of the upcoming festival were announced by Sports Minister Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar in the presence of Dr. Ajay Gaude, Director of DSYA and Executive Director of SAG, along with Dr. Vivek Pawar, Deputy Director, DSYA.

Each edition of the festival has seen participation from over 1,200 athletes representing all 12 talukas, supported by nearly 200 technical officials and sports teachers. The participation of both men and women has steadily increased over the years, highlighting the immense sporting potential present within Goa’s tribal population.

For the 2026 edition, around 1,648 players along with 240 officials and support staff are expected to take part. Competitions in Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Volleyball and Tennis Ball Cricket will be held in both men’s and women’s categories, while traditional sports such as Tug-of-War, Langdi and Lagori will be played at the Canacona taluka level. Winners in major disciplines will receive cash prizes along with trophies and certificates, with first place awarded Rs. 25,000, second place Rs. 20,000 and third place Rs. 15,000.

Selection trials for taluka teams were conducted on December 28, 2025, across various venues under the supervision of APEOs, TSOs, DSYA, SAG coaches and sports associations. Adding to the scale of the event, an All India Marathon Race will also be organised during the festival, with participation expected to exceed 1,000 runners.

Sports

Goa Sends 35 Athletes to 14th National Modern Pentathlon Biathle & Triathle Championship

Tanisha Cardozo

A 35-member strong team of athletes from the Modern Pentathlon Association of Goa (MPAG) is all set to represent the state at the 14th Modern Pentathlon Biathle & Triathle National Championship, scheduled to take place in Indore, Madhya Pradesh from October 4 to 7, 2025. The contingent includes participants from various age categories who have been rigorously training under experienced coaches to compete at the national level.

To mark the occasion, a formal farewell ceremony was held today at the DSYA office in Panaji. The event was graced by key officials including Shri. Sanjiv Gadkar (IAS), Secretary, Government of Goa, Dr. Ajay Gaude, Director of Sports & Executive Director of SAG, Smt. Sandhya Paliekar, Secretary, MPAG, Shri. Virendra Majik, Convenor, MPAG, and coaching staff Shri. Kirtan Vaiz, Shri. Alok Kothambikar, and Coach Nikita Naik. Managers Ishita Paliekar and Filda Eldro will accompany the team to the national event.

The event saw dignitaries offering their best wishes to the athletes, encouraging them to showcase their dedication, sportsmanship, and team spirit. They lauded the efforts of MPAG in nurturing young talent and promoting the modern pentathlon disciplines—particularly biathle and triathle, which combine swimming, running, and shooting in a dynamic sporting format.

The participation in this national championship is a significant opportunity for Goan athletes to shine on the national stage, gain exposure, and further develop their skills. It also reflects the growing prominence of modern pentathlon as a competitive sport in Goa and the efforts being made at grassroots and state levels to support and grow this discipline.

Team Goa departs with the support and blessings of the state’s sports leadership, carrying the hopes of a proud sporting community.

EduConnect

Pope John XXIII High School Clinches U14 Sepaktakraw Quepem Taluka Championship

Tanisha Cardozo

Pope John XXIII High School, Quepem, showcased stellar skill and teamwork to secure the U14 Sepaktakraw Quepem Taluka Championship, defeating Don Bosco Sulcorna with a commanding score of 2–0 (15–7, 15–8) in the final match.

The championship, organized by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs (DSYA), Campal–Panjim, brought together talented young athletes from across the taluka, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for Sepaktakraw, a dynamic and acrobatic sport gaining popularity in Goa.

The victory marks a proud moment for Pope John XXIII High School. The team’s success is credited not only to their rigorous preparation and teamwork but also to the strong support system provided by the school faculty. They were congratulated warmly by Principal Fr. Manuel Vas, Vice Principal Fr. Christovan Cardozo, Physical Education Teacher Sir Cosme Ferrao, and Dr. Aldrin Mascarenhas, all of whom have played pivotal roles in shaping the school’s sporting culture.

As champions, these young athletes serve as a testament to the power of discipline, guidance, and determination in sports. With continued encouragement and support, Pope John XXIII High School aims to nurture more future stars who will make their mark at state and national levels.

Sports

GFDC Celebrates 13 Years of Football Development in Goa

allycaralgoa

The Goa Football Development Council (GFDC), established in 2012 to nurture football talent at the grassroots level, celebrated its 13th year on August 13, 2025, at the Athletic Stadium, Santacruz.

The special function began at 5:30 PM with a cake-cutting ceremony, graced by Chief Guest Secretary Sports, Shri. Santosh Sukhadeve, IAS, alongside Dr. Ajay Gaude, Director, Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs; Shri. Sumith Maheshwari, High Performance Director, Khelo India; Fransquinha Almeida, Member Secretary, GFDC; and other dignitaries.

The celebrations included spirited football matches between coaches and officials of GFDC, DSYA, and SAG, showcasing camaraderie and passion for the sport. Prizes were distributed by the Secretary Sports, acknowledging the contributions of participants and stakeholders.

Since its inception, GFDC has played a pivotal role in promoting football in Goa through grassroots programs, coaching clinics, youth leagues, and fitness assessments for coaches. Its initiatives have been instrumental in creating a sustainable ecosystem for football talent in the state.