Sports

RSB Cochin Crowned New Champions of All India Civil Services Football Tournament


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

RSB Cochin were crowned the new champions of the All India Civil Services Football Tournament organised by the Government of Goa in collaboration with the Central Civil Services Sports and Cultural Board, New Delhi, after a thrilling final at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim. In an exciting contest, RSB Cochin defeated defending champions Central Secretariat Delhi 5โ€“4 in a tie-breaker after the match ended 0โ€“0 at the end of regulation time.

The final was a closely fought encounter, with both teams displaying disciplined defence and strong midfield play, resulting in a goalless draw at full time. The title was eventually decided through a tense penalty shootout, where RSB Cochin kept their nerves to convert five spot kicks through Kanan, Midhun Wilwet, Stephen Dias, Bojair and Asif. For Central Secretariat Delhi, Ajay Singh, Nitin Rawat, Ripudamani and Gurjinder Kumar successfully converted their penalties.

The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Dr Ajay Gaude, Director of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs (DSYA), as the chief guest, while Arjuna Awardee Bruno Coutinho was the guest of honour. Other dignitaries present included Shri Sumit M, High Performance Director of Khelo India Centre of Excellence Goa, Sarvottam Satardekar, Joint Director Accounts, Sports Authority of Goa, Dr Vivek Pawar, Deputy Director DSYA, Irwin Cordo, Assistant Director Coaching, and Nodal Officer Prakash Satarkar.

Individual honours were also awarded at the ceremony. The Best Goalkeeper award went to Skailine PD of RSB Cochin, while Abhishek Rawat of Central Secretariat Delhi was named Best Defender. Sanket Salonke of RSB Mumbai finished as the highest scorer of the tournament with 14 goals, and the Best Forward award was claimed by Sumit Passi of Central Secretariat Delhi. The Fair Play Award was presented to Goa Secretariat.

In the third-place playoff, RSB Mumbai defeated Goa Secretariat to secure the third position in the tournament. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ajay Gaude appreciated the efforts of all 37 participating teams, praising the high level of skill, discipline and team spirit displayed throughout the competition, which was played from December 8 at the Santa Cruz Ground and the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim. The event was compered by Shri Anant Sawal, State Sports Organiser, DSYA, and the vote of thanks was proposed by Shri Irwin Cordo, Assistant Director, DSYA.

Sports

Goan Football Cup 2025 Unites Communities in London, Sets New Records


The Goan Football Cup 2025 has emerged as a monumental celebration of sport, culture, and community abroad. Held at Cranford Community College in London on August 23, the tournament drew record participation, with 28 menโ€™s teams and three womenโ€™s teams โ€” making it the largest Goan football tournament outside Goa.

The second edition of the event reinforced the Goan communityโ€™s love for the game while showcasing its inclusive nature. Players from different communities competed side by side, with Goan teams putting up strong performances against sides featuring seasoned English 5-a-side players.

One of the most inspiring stories of the tournament was the participation of Wilred United Goa, led by manager Joe Vas. The team traveled from Goa to London, making a powerful statement about the global reach of Goan football. Their womenโ€™s team, which included former India junior international Anline Fernandes, dominated the competition and won the championship without conceding a single goal. Their victory, achieved in their very first appearance together, stands as a proud moment for Goan womenโ€™s football and the diaspora.

Southall Athletic WFC put on a strong performance to finish as runners-up in the womenโ€™s tournament after an unbeaten group stage. In the menโ€™s category, it was Daily Ballin who emerged victorious, defeating Filthy Starz in a thrilling finale.

But the event was about much more than just the matches. The Goan Football Cup transformed into a festival, with families and fans enjoying authentic Goan food by Pratos De Goa, Feni cocktails by GoaTails, and vibrant live performances from artists Saneev, Rochus, and singer Braga. The atmosphere was electric, merging sport with cultural pride.

The prize distribution ceremony, led by community leaders Xavier Vas, Jules Alberto Dias, Ruksana Braz, and celebrated singer Mark Revlon, honoured team achievements and individual excellence.

With its growing stature, the Goan Football Cup has now firmly established itself as the flagship Goan sporting event outside India. As the community celebrates this success, one thing is clear โ€” this is just the beginning of a powerful legacy that will continue to unite Goans and amplify their passion for football on a global stage.

Sports

Betalbatim SC Clinches 24th Benaulim Villagers Cup in Thrilling Tie-Breaker Win


Written by Tanisha Cardozo

BENAULIM: In a final brimming with emotion and edge-of-the-seat action, Betalbatim Sporting Club lifted the 24th Benaulim Villagers Cup after a dramatic 7-6 win in a penalty shootout against Navelim Sporting Club at the St John de Baptist ground, Dando-Benaulim. The prestigious local football tournament was organised by the Dando Boys Club Benaulim.

The high-octane match had fans cheering from start to finish. Navelim SC drew first blood in the 17th minute when Ronaldo Pereira converted a penalty. But Betalbatim struck back in the 30th minute through an own goal by Aden Pereira, who deflected a free kick by Dickson Rogtao into his own net.

The drama escalated in the second half. Ronaldo once again put Navelim ahead from the spot after a foul by Betalbatimโ€™s goalkeeper Milton Dโ€™Souza. But fate repeated itself for Navelim, as Aden Pereira scored a second own goal, equalising at 2-2.

The match headed to penalties, where Betalbatim SC held their nerves to win 7-6 and clinch the title, along with โ‚น50,000 in prize money.

The event saw a grand prize distribution ceremony with former Chief Minister Churchill Alemao as the chief guest and AIFF Executive Committee Member Valanka Alemao as guest of honour. Other dignitaries included Fr Malcolm, Fr Xavier, Savio Alemao, Sima Shanke, Anthony Pango, Anthony Leo Mam, Nelly Rodrigues, and others.

This victory adds another feather to Betalbatimโ€™s decorated football legacy and reinforces the vibrancy of Goaโ€™s grassroots football culture. The match was not just a contest but a celebration of passion, community, and the beautiful game.

Sports

GMC Football League Tournament 2025: A Celebration of Sportsmanship and Team Spirit


The Goa Medical College & Hospitals recently hosted its 5th season of the inter-departmental Football League Tournament 2025 and Tiebreaker for Women on May 11th at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim, Goa. This annual event, founded in 2019 by Dean Prof. Dr. Shivanand Bandekar, aims to promote sportsmanship, teamwork, and camaraderie among the staff and students of GMC.


The men’s championship saw an intense competition among various teams, with the Dean’s Office Team, “League Legends,” emerging as the winners. The “Boom Boom Neuro” team put up a strong fight, ultimately becoming the runners-up. In the women’s tiebreaker event, “Cardio Strikers” showcased their skills and determination, taking home the winning title.


The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including Shri Bruno Coutinho, an Arjuna awardee and Director of Coaching SAG Goa; Ms. Eki Shukla, Accountant General Goa; Shri Akhil Kumar, Dy. Accountant General Goa; Shri Amit Kumar Mishra IAS, Secretary Health; Mrs. Sadhana Bandekar, Ex-Chief Engineer PWD Goa; and Pranav Bhat, Jt. Secretary Finance and Health. A friendly match between GMC and the Secretariat was also played, with the Secretariat emerging as winners.


The GMC Football League Tournament 2025 was a resounding success, promoting a healthy atmosphere of sporting and teamwork among the participants. The event not only showcased the sporting prowess of the GMC staff and students but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship.

Sports

BoomBoom Goa dethrones defending Red Bull Four 2 ScoreChampions Delhi Avengers at the National Finals in Goa


~ Red Bull Four 2 Score National Finals Thrill Goa as Road to Austria Kicks Off ~

5th March, 2025, Goa, India โ€“ The Red Bull Four 2 Score National Finals concluded with a spectacular display of football, as amateur players from across the country battled it out for the coveted title and the opportunity to represent India on the global stage. The high-energy 4v4 tournament lived up to its reputation, delivering intense action and showcasing the immense talent of grassroots footballers. Four of FC Goa players played an entertaining exhibition match versus four national finalist captains representing their teams on the big stage. In the finals, Team Boom Boom Goa emerged victorious defeating all other teams to bag the bragging rights and a chance to represent India at the World Finals.

Throughout the competition, teams from 12 cities showcased their talent, resilience, and passion for the sport. After weeks of exhilarating qualifiers, the National Finals in Goa saw the best of India go head-to-head in a battle for supremacy. The victorious team Boom Boom Goanow embarks on an even greater journeyโ€”the Road to Austriaโ€”where they will represent India at the Red Bull Four 2 Score World Final later this year.

BoomBoom Goa, who represented Indiaat the Red BullFour2 score world final in Germany back in 2023, dethroned the last editions India-edition champions of Red Bull Four 2 Score Delhi Avengers by defeating them 2-1. The crowd favourites, who qualified for the India Finals after beating stiff competition in Red Bull Four 2 Score 2025โ€™s Mumbai Qualifiers, are a tight-knitted group of friends represented by Jayesh Sutar (27), Krishna Gawas (24), Dishu Singh (24), ChairanKomarprant(24) and captain Valerian Rodrigues (29).

“Winning the Red Bull Four 2 Score National Finals is a dream come true! The intensity, the energy, and the competition were unreal. We gave it our all, and now we are ready to take on the world in Salzburg, Austria!”

Last yearโ€™s World Final in Germany witnessed breathtaking performances, with the Netherlands securing the mixed team title and Brazil emerging victorious in the womenโ€™s category at the packed RB Leipzig Arena. With the stakes higher than ever, this yearโ€™s Indian champions now prepare to take on the worldโ€™s best in Salzburg, Austria, aiming to etch their name in Red Bull Four 2 Score history.

As the dust settles on an unforgettable National Finals in Goa, the journey for Indiaโ€™s champions is far from over. With Austria on the horizon, the dream of lifting the Red Bull Four 2 Score World Final trophy is now closer than ever.

Red Bull Four 2 Score embodies Red Bullโ€™s โ€˜power footballโ€™ philosophy and challenges you to show your best small-field, 4v4 football skills โ€“ 10-minute rounds, no breaks and no goalie โ€“ plus, goals scored during the first and last minute count as double. Tiebreakers are settled with one player from each team going head-to-head, trying to outsmart the other to score the winning goal. With the backing of Red Bullโ€™s global football network โ€“ including clubs like RB Omiya Ardija in Japan, RB Leipzig and FC Red Bull Salzburg โ€“ local qualifiers will pave the way for national champions to compete on the world stage.

The finale clash proved to be an end-to-end affair as both sides were relentless in their efforts to score. However, it was encore for the side from Goa to book a spot in the Red Bull Four 2 Score 2024 World Final.