Tag: Fit India

Sports

AAI Kicks Off Inter-PSU Football Championship 2026: A Celebration of Synergy, Sportsmanship and the Spirit ofthe Game

Tanisha Cardozo

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has officially kicked off the Inter-PSU Football Championship 2026, transforming Goa into a hub of competitive sport, camaraderie, and celebration. Designed as a premier sporting platform for India’s Public Sector Undertakings, the tournament reflects AAI’s continued commitment to fostering fitness, teamwork, and a vibrant sports culture within the public sector.

The championship brings together 12 elite PSU teams, including AAI, Bank of Baroda, Coal India, CAG, EPFO, ESIC, FCI, RBI, SAIL, Union Bank and others. Over the course of a week, these teams will compete in a league-cum-knockout format, ensuring intense matches, high-energy performances, and sustained engagement for players and spectators alike.

Beyond competition, the tournament carries a larger purpose. It seeks to strengthen inter-organizational bonds and promote a “Fit India” lifestyle among employees, reinforcing the idea that physical fitness and teamwork are essential to professional excellence. The football pitch becomes a shared space where collaboration, resilience, and mutual respect take centre stage.

Speaking on the occasion, Flt. Lt. Akash Deep, Airport Director, Goa International Airport, Dabolim, highlighted the broader vision behind the initiative. He noted that the spirit of collaboration witnessed on the football field directly translates into professional synergy, adding that the tournament is not merely about scoring goals, but about building unity and shared purpose within the public sector. He also described the championship as a major football event coinciding with the vibrant Goa Carnival season.

The Inter-PSU Football Championship 2026 will be held from 14th to 19th February 2026, with matches hosted at two prominent venues—PJN Stadium, Fatorda, and Rosary Ground Stadium, Navelim. The Opening Ceremony is scheduled for 15th February 2026 at 9:00 am at PJN Stadium, Fatorda, and will be graced by Shri Vipin Kumar, IAS, Chairman, Airports Authority of India.

As a Mini Ratna Category-I Public Sector Enterprise, the Airports Authority of India plays a pivotal role in developing and managing India’s civil aviation infrastructure. Through initiatives such as the Inter-PSU Football Championship, AAI continues to extend its impact beyond airports—championing employee welfare, community engagement, and the unifying power of sport.

With football, fitness, and fellowship at its core, the Inter-PSU Football Championship 2026 stands as a celebration of “Team India” beyond office walls.

Social

CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Inaugurates Sesa Goa-Sponsored Artificial Turf Ground at Amona

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant step towards youth empowerment and grassroots sports development, Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, inaugurated a state-of-the-art artificial turf ground in Amona. The ground has been constructed by Vedanta Sesa Goa – Value Added Business, under its flagship YouTheChange, YouThePower initiative, with a project cost exceeding ₹1 crore.

Equipped with floodlights and a fenced playing arena, the facility promises to become a vibrant hub for community engagement, sports competitions, and youth development. The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of Mr. Saptesh Sardesai, CEO of Vedanta VAB, Shri Gopal Surlakar, Zilla Panchayat Member (Pale), Shri Sagar Kamlakant Fadte, Sarpanch, V.P Amona, panchayat members, community leaders, and enthusiastic locals. The event culminated in a friendly football match where CM Dr. Pramod Sawant himself took to the field, encouraging youth to utilise the facility.

Expressing gratitude, Dr. Pramod Sawant lauded Vedanta’s commitment to community welfare. “The long-standing wish of Amona’s youth has now been fulfilled. I appreciate Vedanta’s consistent efforts in infrastructure and skill development. This facility will play a vital role in promoting fitness and sports culture in the region,” he said.

Mr. Saptesh Sardesai emphasized the importance of physical fitness and leadership among the youth. “This turf ground is more than just infrastructure. It’s an investment in the future of our youth — promoting teamwork, health, and active lifestyles.”

This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s Fit India Movement and showcases Vedanta’s philosophy of #TransformingCommunities through impactful CSR projects that bring long-term value and progress to local communities.

Sports

Sangram Singh Announces MMA Comeback at 40, Set to Fight in Poland

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Sangram Singh, the Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion and one of India’s most inspiring athletes, has officially announced his return to the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). At 40, an age when most athletes hang up their gloves, Sangram is preparing for his second professional MMA bout, which will take place in Poland. The details of the event and his opponent are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.

Singh made headlines across the world during his debut at the Gama International Fighting Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia. There, he stunned audiences with a dominant victory over Pakistan’s Ali Raza, ending the fight in just 90 seconds. This achievement not only marked his successful transition from wrestling to MMA but also made him the first Indian male wrestler to win an international MMA fight.

Now, as he prepares for his second fight, Sangram Singh continues to embody perseverance and strength. Having once been wheelchair-bound, his transformation into an international combat sports figure is a testament to the power of will and belief. Speaking during his training, he said, “Age is just a number when your soul refuses to give up. When I stepped into that octagon in Georgia at 40, fighting against a fighter 17 years younger than me, I wasn’t just fighting for myself – I was fighting to show every dreamer in their 20s, 30s, and 40s that their time is still ahead. This Poland tournament is my second chapter, not the final one.”

More than just a fighter, Sangram Singh is also an advocate for health and sustainability. He has continued to promote an all-vegetarian diet as a viable and powerful option for elite athletes, challenging long-standing beliefs in the combat sports world. “My vegetarian lifestyle is not a limitation – it’s my superpower. Every lentil, every vegetable, every morning’s ghee and ashwagandha not only powers my muscles but also fuels my mission to prove that Indian traditions can dominate on the world stage,” he explained.

In a country where MMA is still finding its footing, Sangram Singh continues to be a trailblazer. His return to the international arena is not just a personal milestone but also an inspirational story for millions across India and beyond. His upcoming fight in Poland will be another opportunity to break stereotypes, defy odds, and raise the Indian flag on a global stage once again.

Sports

Goans Hockey Marks National Sports Day with “Ek Ghanta, Khel ke Maidan mein” at Peddem

Tanisha Cardozo

MAPUSA, GOA – In line with the “Fit India” mission, Goans Hockey celebrated National Sports Day on August 29 with a vibrant event at the Peddem Sports Complex, Mapusa. Themed “Ek Ghanta, Khel ke Maidan mein” (One hour on the sports field), the celebration paid tribute to India’s hockey icon, Major Dhyan Chand, and reinforced the importance of fitness through sports.

The highlight of the event was a spirited friendly hockey match that united players across generations and skill levels—from sub-juniors to seniors and veterans. Olympian Mr. Felix, State Senior Men’s Captain Mr. Swapnil Haldankar, and State Sub-Junior Captain Miss Riddhi Hadfadkar led a talented group of athletes who brought infectious energy to the field. The match celebrated not just the sport, but the shared love and dedication of Goa’s hockey community.

After the game, a formal program took place, with speakers reflecting on the life and legacy of Major Dhyan Chand and the significance of National Sports Day in promoting fitness and unity through sports. Brendan delivered a heartfelt message on the day’s importance, while Praanjali Halankar gave a compelling presentation on Major Dhyan Chand’s journey and legacy.

The event also featured respected figures from the Goan sporting community, including Mr. Abhay Bhamaikar, President of Goans Hockey, and Mr. Elliter Fernandes, a coach from the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG). Their presence underscored the institutional support for grassroots development and youth engagement in hockey.

The day ended on a warm note with a fellowship session, where players, coaches, and community members connected over their shared passion and discussed ways to elevate hockey in the state. It was an open, informal exchange that celebrated camaraderie, sportsmanship, and collective vision.

This meaningful event was made possible through the committed efforts of Goans Hockey EC Member Manoj Pednekar, official Mr. Aviraj Madgaonkar, and EC member Praanjali Halankar, whose dedication to the sport continues to inspire young athletes across Goa.

Goans Hockey extends heartfelt gratitude to all who participated and continues to promote the development of hockey in the state, encouraging everyone to stay active, stay fit, and keep the spirit of the game alive.