Tag: fitness

Events in Goa

I-Run Goa Marathon 2026 Introduces New 32 km Challenge in Seventh Edition

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The upcoming edition of the I-Run Goa Marathon, organised by the I-Help Foundation, Goa, is scheduled to take place on January 4, 2026, marking nine years of the foundation’s work to uplift underprivileged communities across the state. Entering its seventh edition, the marathon introduces a new 32 km race category aimed at experienced runners looking to push their endurance further.

Founder and spokesperson of the marathon, Praveen Maurya, said the event continues to evolve each year by offering new challenges to the running community. He noted that the 32 km category was introduced for runners ready to go beyond conventional distances while staying connected to the marathon’s core purpose of social impact.

Held under the theme “Run for a Cause,” the marathon continues to support social, educational and environmental initiatives. Funds raised from the event will be directed towards child education and women empowerment programmes, benefiting children in 23 orphanages across Calangute and South Goa by providing education, meals, clothing and sports equipment.

Since its inception in 2017, the I-Run Goa Marathon has grown into one of Goa’s most anticipated community sporting events. Despite a two-year pause due to Covid-19 norms, the marathon has seen participation from runners across India and overseas, drawing more than 10,000 participants over its previous six editions.

In addition to the new 32 km category, the marathon will feature a 21 km half-marathon, 10 km and 5 km timed runs, a 5 km charity run and a 2 km fun run. The 32 km race will flag off at 5:00 am from the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Taleigao, passing Panjim Gymkhana before looping back to the start point.

The event will welcome runners from the armed forces, Goa Police and around 30 para-athletes, reinforcing its inclusive and community-driven spirit. Set along the scenic Dona Paula and Miramar stretch, the course will offer hydration points, breakfast counters, medical and physiotherapy support, and dedicated volunteers to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

All participants will receive medals, certificates, T-shirts and timing bibs, except those in charity and fun run categories. The day will conclude with interactive fitness sessions and activities hosted by Sunil Fitness Wave, creating a celebratory atmosphere for runners and spectators alike. Registrations for the I-Run Goa Marathon 2026 are currently open on the official marathon website.

Sports

Czech Star Petra Pastorová to Lead Record-Breaking 15th SKF Goa River Marathon

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The 15th edition of the SKF Goa River Marathon is set to make history on Sunday, December 14, as Czech marathon legend Petra Pastorová arrives in Goa to lead the international field of runners. The event, taking place at Chicalim, has already created a buzz by registering a record 6,000 runners, making it the largest edition since the marathon began. Even more remarkable is the rising participation of women, who now make up 28 percent of the total runners — a significant milestone for the event and for distance running in Goa.

Petra Pastorová, a six-time national marathon champion from the Czech Republic, is widely regarded as one of the most consistent long-distance athletes in Europe. At 48, she continues to deliver exceptional performances, with a career-best timing of 2:36:44 hours set in 2013. She also clocked an impressive 2:42:45 earlier this year, proving she remains in top competitive form. Known for her endurance, Petra has completed a 50-kilometer run at the 2023 Hyderabad Masters as well as an ultradistance 100-kilometer run at the 2024 Bengaluru Masters. Her participation has drawn widespread attention, with many runners excited to share the course with an athlete of her stature. “This is the first time I have come to Goa and I am really looking forward to running the SKF Goa River Marathon,” she shared, expressing her enthusiasm ahead of race day.

The marathon is also seeing strong international participation, transforming it into one of the most globally diverse sporting events in the state. Among the foreign runners are participants from Russia, Australia, the United States, Israel, Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, and the Czech Republic. This multination turnout further elevates the profile of the event as runners from different cultures and training backgrounds unite for a single purpose — endurance and celebration.

This year, the marathon’s theme “Pace for Peace” carries a deeper message, symbolizing unity and hope at a time when several regions across the world continue to face conflict and unrest. The organisers believe that sport, and running in particular, has the power to connect communities, promote solidarity, and inspire positive messages through collective action.

The marathon has also embraced new technology to improve the event experience. For the first time, organisers will use AI-based image selection systems and dual bib-and-face detection to help runners easily identify their race photos. These digital tools are expected to make post-race media access faster, more accurate, and more personalised.

With just days to go, on-spot registrations remain open, giving last-minute entrants a chance to be part of this energetic and meaningful sporting celebration. The race day will see traffic restrictions from 3:30 am to 11:30 am between Chicalim junction and Cortalim junction, and between Cortalim junction and Sontrant junction under the flyover, with diversions in place. Airport-bound traffic will move via Verna, BITS, and MES College junction, while parking facilities for participants and media have been arranged at Regina Mundi School grounds via Dabolim Airport.

As the countdown begins, excitement is building across Goa’s running community. With a celebrated international champion leading the pack and thousands of runners coming together under the banner of peace, the 15th SKF Goa River Marathon promises to be an unforgettable event for athletes and spectators alike.

Sports

Glenn Maxwell Withdraws from IPL 2026 Auction, Ends a Memorable League Journey

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has officially withdrawn from the IPL 2026 auction, bringing an emotional close to his long, colourful, and influential journey in the Indian Premier League. Known for his explosive batting, off-spin versatility, and electrifying fielding, Maxwell’s presence in the league has always been a major attraction. His announcement came through a heartfelt Instagram post, where he expressed deep gratitude to fans, teammates, and the franchises that believed in him over the years. In his message, Maxwell spoke about the IPL’s impact on his career and personal growth, calling his time in India unforgettable. He thanked supporters for their passion, acknowledging the league as a major factor in shaping him both as a player and as a person.

Maxwell’s decision follows a disappointing IPL 2025 season with Punjab Kings, who signed him for ₹4.20 crore. Despite his reputation as a dynamic match-winner, he managed only 48 runs in seven games, averaging 8 with a strike rate of 97.96. His contributions with the ball, picking up four wickets, offered some relief but did little to change the fortunes of his campaign. The season seemed far removed from his earlier heroics in the league, and his withdrawal from the 2026 auction signals a reflective pause in his T20 franchise journey.

His exit joins a growing list of top overseas players stepping away from IPL 2026. Former RCB captain Faf du Plessis opted out earlier, and West Indies powerhouse Andre Russell announced his retirement from the league after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders. Russell, however, will remain connected to the franchise by joining KKR’s support staff for the upcoming season. With Maxwell’s departure adding to this wave, the upcoming IPL season is set to mark the end of an era defined by some of the league’s most entertaining international performers.

Through his message, Maxwell reinforced his bond with Indian fans and left the door open for a future return. As the IPL prepares for its next phase, the absence of one of its most charismatic figures will undoubtedly be felt.

Sports

High Drama in Goa: Esipenko Clinches Third as Wei Yi and Sindarov March to Tiebreak Showdown

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The 2025 FIDE World Cup finals delivered another gripping day in Goa, shaped by contrasting pressures on the boards. Javokhir Sindarov and Wei Yi entered with a calm understanding that a draw was the most probable outcome, one that would extend their battle into tiebreaks. That prediction proved accurate as their game ended quietly in under half an hour, both players conserving energy for the decisive day ahead.

On the adjacent board, the situation was far more tense. Nodirbek Yakubboev needed nothing less than a win to stay alive in the match for third place, but the burden of that requirement weighed heavily. Facing Andrey Esipenko, he chose an ambitious Neo-Catalan setup, but his early optimism faded when a single misjudged move—11.Bxd5—shifted the entire momentum. The decision surrendered the crucial light-squared bishop, a point immediately highlighted by GM Peter Leko in the commentary room, and the resulting loss of control allowed Esipenko to seize the initiative without hesitation. After precise replies including the strong …b5 and …Bb7 ideas, White’s position deteriorated rapidly. Even the tempting but poisonous capture on a8 failed tactically, and Yakubboev instead tried to navigate the complications with 13.Nf3, but by then the damage was irreparable.

What followed was a model positional display by Esipenko. He ignored computer-heavy lines in favor of natural, harmonious piece placement reminiscent of Capablanca’s elegant style. Every move strengthened his grip while limiting counterplay, and the final sequence—beginning with 24…Nc1 and culminating in an unstoppable mating net—was both clinical and aesthetically striking. With this victory, Esipenko secured third place outright, earning his spot in the 2026 Candidates and leaving the board visibly relieved after a taxing match.

Meanwhile, the final between Wei Yi and Sindarov featured another Rubinstein Variation of the Four Knights Spanish, a line well known for its symmetrical stability. Both players blitzed through their preparation and showed little interest in testing each other in the classical stage, signaling that the real battle awaits in tomorrow’s tiebreaks.

As the finalists prepare, their journeys to this moment highlight the strength and ambition of the new generation. Wei Yi, long acclaimed for his attacking brilliance and creativity, has reaffirmed his form throughout this event, adding to a career already decorated with national titles, Olympiad golds, and elite-level victories. His path through the tournament featured consistent excellence across formats, including key wins over top talents such as Arjun Erigaisi and Andrey Esipenko.

Sindarov, one of Uzbekistan’s brightest stars and a central figure in their Olympiad champion squad, has enjoyed a breakout year marked by major tournament victories and a near-2800 performance at the World Rapid Team Championship. Reaching the final in Goa stands as the biggest achievement of his career so far, underscoring his rise among the world’s elite. His road to the final included victories over experienced grandmasters and a particularly memorable quarterfinal marathon.

Both finalists have already secured their places in the 2026 Candidates, but tomorrow brings a different prize: the right to lift the Vishwanathan Anand Trophy and claim one of the most prestigious titles in modern chess. With the tiebreaks beginning at 15:00, all eyes will be on Goa as Wei Yi and Sindarov prepare for the decisive clash. The stage is set for a dramatic finish—one worthy of the tournament’s remarkable journey.

Entertainment

Priyanka Chopra Reflects on Her ‘Healing Days’ in Goa, Calls It One of Her Favourite Places

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Entertainment Desk

Priyanka Chopra has shared fresh glimpses from her relaxing getaway in Goa, describing her time there as “a few healing days” in one of her most favourite places in the world. Currently in India for work, including her appearance at the grand GlobeTrotter event in Hyderabad where the title of her upcoming SS Rajamouli film Varanasi was unveiled, Priyanka took a short break from her schedule to spend time in the coastal paradise. Her newly posted photo dump captures moments of warmth, laughter, and serenity as she enjoyed a luxurious property with her close friends Tamanna Dutt and Sudeep Dutt. One of the highlights was revisiting Pousada by the Beach, a restaurant she returned to after seven years, along with soaking in quiet beach time and playing carrom—where she admitted she lost several times and needed more practice.

Priyanka also expressed gratitude for the hospitality of Pinky Reddy and GV Sanjay Reddy at their beautiful home, Palacio Aguada, describing her time there as both comforting and memorable. In her caption, she wrote about Goa’s spirit—how its people, food, and culture embody kindness and warmth, making the city adaptable to whatever one needs, whether rest, joy, or escape. She concluded her post saying, “It just wasn’t enough time,” a reflection of how deeply connected she feels to the place.

Alongside her Goa trip, Priyanka also shared pictures with her Varanasi co-stars Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran. In a heartfelt appreciation post, she called it a privilege to work with legends from the Telugu and Malayalam industries and praised Rajamouli’s vision. With global promotions beginning almost a year ahead of release, Priyanka expressed excitement at the response the film is already generating.

Beyond India, Priyanka’s schedule remains packed. She is set to return as Nadia Sinh in season two of Citadel, and she will star alongside Karl Urban in The Bluff, playing a 19th-century Caribbean pirate. She was most recently seen in the action thriller Heads of State with Idris Elba and John Cena. Her Goa getaway offered a brief but meaningful pause—one that reminded fans why the actress continues to balance intense work commitments with moments of grounding and gratitude.