Tag: Football

Sports

RC Goa Crowned PGML 5.0 Champions After Dominant Final Win

Tanisha Cardozo

RC Goa emerged champions of the Panjim Gymkhana-organised PGML 5.0 cricket tournament after defeating Priority Titans by five wickets in a commanding final at Bandodkar Ground.

Chasing a target of 157, RC Goa displayed confidence and composure, completing the run chase with 27 deliveries to spare. The champions were awarded ₹3 lakh along with the trophy, while Priority Titans settled for the runners-up prize of ₹2 lakh.

Earlier, Priority Titans opted to bat first after winning the toss and posted 156 before being bowled out in 19.3 overs. The innings began on a strong note, with the team reaching 102 for 1, but a sudden middle-order collapse saw them slip to 114 for 5. Contributions from Rijul Pathak (37), Atharva (37), and Adeep Misquin (26) laid the foundation, but the lower order failed to capitalise.

RC Goa’s bowling unit played a crucial role in restricting the opposition. Nakul Mhamal led the attack with impressive figures of 3 for 23, while Dattesh Priolkar picked up two wickets. Support came from Aryan Mashelkar, Gauresh Khandepakar, and Vardhan Prabhu Misquin, who kept the pressure on throughout the innings.

In response, RC Goa got off to a flying start, with Venkatesh Verlekar smashing 29 off just 13 balls. Sachin Sardesai anchored the innings with a composed 40, while Vardhan Prabhu Misquin added a valuable 38. Skipper Rajshekhar Harikant ensured there were no late setbacks, finishing unbeaten on 24 and sealing the victory in style with three consecutive sixes.

At the presentation ceremony, Digambar Kamat congratulated the winners and noted the competitive nature of the league, with a different champion emerging each year. Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes, who attended as a special guest, praised the spirit of teamwork and the successful organisation of the tournament.

Individual Awards:

  • Player of the Match: Nakul Mhamal
  • Best Fielder: Adeep Misquin
  • Best Bowler: Ramnath Gaonkar
  • Best Batter: Heramb Shankar Parab
  • Player of the Tournament: Ramnath Gaonkar

The tournament once again highlighted the depth of cricketing talent in Goa, delivering exciting matches and memorable performances for fans.

Sports

FC Goa Offers Free Entry to Women for February 26 Clash Against Sporting Delhi

Tanisha Cardozo

FC Goa is set to celebrate its female fans in a grand gesture ahead of International Women’s Day 2026. For the match against Sporting Delhi on Thursday, February 26th at the Fatorda Stadium, entry will be completely free for women of all ages, across all stands. This initiative reflects FC Goa’s commitment to honoring the women who have passionately supported the club over the years and fostering an inclusive environment for football in the state.

Ravi Puskur, CEO of FC Goa, said the move is a way to thank women for their support and ensure the stadium feels welcoming and celebratory. “We hope this match becomes more than just a game—a shared evening where families come together, young girls see themselves as part of football’s future, and Fatorda reflects the inclusive spirit that football in Goa truly stands for,” he said.

The matchday will feature dedicated women-only entry lanes to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Loyal female season pass holders will also enjoy exclusive half-time on-pitch contests and activations. Special partner booths and giveaways will be set up around the stadium, enhancing the matchday experience for female attendees. Adding a special touch, young girl mascots will lead the starting XI for both teams onto the pitch, with fans invited to nominate participants through club social media contests.

This celebration continues FC Goa’s strong focus on promoting women’s football. The club has a history of fielding an FC Goa Women’s Team and nurturing grassroots talent through programs like the Little Gaurs League and FC Goa Football Schools, which train girls across multiple age groups and skill levels. The club is also actively supporting competitive local talent, training an U14 girls team for the GFA U14 Women’s League in partnership with St. Dominic Savio SC Calvin.

The February 26 match promises a day of celebration, community engagement, and inspiration, underscoring FC Goa’s ongoing efforts to make football inclusive, exciting, and empowering for women and girls across the state. Further details on free entry and matchday activities will be shared via FC Goa’s official social media channels.

Sports

FC Goa Signs Indian Super Gaming League as Principal Sponsor for ISL 2025-26

Tanisha Cardozo

FC Goa have announced Indian Super Gaming League as the club’s Principal Sponsor for the 2025-26 Indian Super League season, marking a significant step in blending traditional sport with the rapidly growing esports ecosystem in India. As part of the agreement, ISGL will feature prominently on the front of FC Goa’s matchday kits, strengthening its visibility while aligning with one of Indian football’s most progressive clubs.

The partnership comes at a strategically aligned moment, with the timelines of the Indian Super League and the debut season of the Indian Super Gaming League running in sync. This alignment allows both entities to maximise engagement and build a shared narrative that connects football fans with the expanding gaming community across the country.

Beyond jersey branding, ISGL will have a strong presence across FC Goa’s digital platforms and branding initiatives, enabling the creation of engaging and interactive content that resonates with both sports and esports audiences. The collaboration aims to foster deeper connections between fans while opening new avenues for storytelling and community engagement.

The Indian Super Gaming League, an initiative by LetsGameNow, represents a focused push towards the growth and professionalisation of esports in India. With a structured format, diverse gaming titles, and a nationwide reach, the league is designed to identify, nurture, and elevate emerging gaming talent. Backed by extensive experience in organising gaming tournaments, LetsGameNow aims to position ISGL as a premier competitive platform, with its grand finale scheduled to take place in Mumbai on March 15.

Speaking on the partnership, FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur expressed enthusiasm about welcoming ISGL on board, noting that esports is gaining significant momentum in India and aligns with the club’s philosophy of grassroots development. He highlighted that both organisations share a common goal of creating structured opportunities for young talent, whether on the football pitch or in competitive gaming arenas.

Gautam Badalia, Co-Founder of LetsGameNow, emphasised that the collaboration reflects a natural extension of ISGL’s mission to provide credible platforms for aspiring players. He noted that FC Goa embodies the sporting aspirations of Goa’s youth and shares a commitment to building professional pathways for emerging talent. The partnership, he added, represents a strategic integration of traditional sports and esports, driven by discipline, ambition, and opportunity.

As part of its nationwide outreach, the league will host qualifying rounds across five cities, including Goa, where the event is scheduled for March 6 in association with FC Goa. The initiative offers aspiring gamers a chance to compete across multiple esports titles, reinforcing ISGL’s vision of empowering the next generation of players to perform confidently on both national and global stages.

Sports

World Legends Pro T20 Delivers a Grand Finale to Remember in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

The World Legends Pro T20 League concluded in spectacular fashion on Tuesday night, bringing down the curtains on a tournament that successfully blended nostalgia, competitiveness and high-quality cricket, while firmly establishing Goa as a destination capable of hosting marquee sporting events.

Over the past few weeks, the league brought together some of the most iconic names in world cricket, delivering thrilling contests and moments that reminded fans why these players once ruled the global stage. Packed stadiums, strong broadcast viewership and a festive atmosphere both on and off the field underlined the growing appeal of the tournament.

World Cup-winning captain and League Commissioner Michael Clarke praised both the cricket on display and the setting that hosted it, noting that the tournament showcased Goa beyond its image as a holiday destination. He highlighted the quality of facilities, the enthusiastic crowds and the enjoyment expressed by players throughout the competition.

Despite having retired from international cricket, the legends approached each match with unmistakable intensity. Clarke remarked that the hunger to win never fades, with players still eager to perform, compete and deliver at the highest level. Several performances throughout the tournament reinforced this competitive edge.

The league produced multiple headline moments, including Martin Guptill’s sublime century, described by Clarke as among the finest innings of his career, and Piyush Chawla’s sensational hat-trick that electrified fans. These performances ensured the competition was far more than a nostalgic exhibition.

With evenly matched teams and close finishes throughout the league stage, the knockout rounds brought out the very best in the players. Clarke noted that the balance across teams played a key role in the tournament’s success, making the semifinals and final particularly compelling.

Leadership emerged as another defining element of the tournament, with Clarke singling out Harbhajan Singh’s captaincy for its tactical sharpness and calm decision-making under pressure, which translated into consistent on-field performances.

As the inaugural edition comes to a close, the World Legends Pro T20 leaves behind more than memorable matches. It has reaffirmed the enduring appeal of cricket’s legends, delivered a fresh entertainment product for fans, and opened the door for Goa to play a larger role on the international sporting calendar.

Sports

Praneeth, Parth–Arnav Charge Into Finals at Gadre Gaspar Dias Open 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

The Gadre Gaspar Dias Open 2026 continued to deliver high-quality tennis and edge-of-the-seat encounters as the tournament moved into its decisive stages in Panaji. Men’s Singles saw Praneeth produce a composed and resilient performance to overcome Eshaan in a closely contested three-set semifinal, clinching the match 7-5, 5-7, 11-9 to book his place in the final. In the other semifinal, Parth Deorurkhkar showcased grit and tactical awareness, bouncing back after dropping the second set to defeat Ashwin 6-2, 2-6, 10-5.

The men’s doubles competition witnessed Parth Deorurkhkar and Arnav Bansode maintaining their impressive run, defeating Maaz and Arnav H. 7-6(4), 6-2 to progress into the final. They will face Ashwin and Prathamesh, who edged past Paul and Nilesh 6-3, 7-5 in a competitive semifinal.

In the women’s singles semifinals, Unnathi staged a strong comeback after losing the opening set to defeat Sonicka 1-6, 6-4, 10-7. She will meet Nidi S, a first-time contestant, who caused a major upset by defeating defending champion Trisha Vinod in the other semifinal, setting up an exciting final clash.

Junior categories produced emphatic performances, with Gargi delivering a dominant display to claim the Girls Under-12 title, defeating Urvi 4-0, 4-0. In the Boys Under-12 segment, Divyaraj advanced to the final with a straight-sets win over Ethan. The Under-16 categories also saw decisive outcomes, as Kyan and Arav progressed to the boys’ final, while Tvisha advanced in the girls’ segment following Kimberly’s retirement due to injury.

Doubles events added further excitement, with Sonicka and Nidi reaching the ladies’ doubles final after a hard-fought win over Riya and Unnathi, while Trisha and Anupama sealed their place with a commanding victory over Tvisha and Bhavya. Mixed doubles semifinals saw contrasting contests, including a tight win for Anupama and Eshaan and a dominant performance by Trisha and Maaz.

Jointly organised by Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias and the Gadre Group in association with the Goa State Tennis Association, the tournament has drawn a record 555 entries across Masters and Open segments, underlining its growing stature on the Indian tennis calendar and setting the stage for an exciting finals day.