Tag: Football

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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

Goa Strengthens Sports Tourism with Goa Rugby 7s 2025 – Season 2

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa continues to raise the bar for sports tourism in India with the announcement of Goa Rugby 7s 2025 – Season 2, scheduled to take place on November 15 and 16 at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim. The tournament, which has become a major highlight in the country’s emerging rugby scene, is supported by the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, and organized in collaboration with the Crocotycles Rugby Foundation.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized the strategic importance of this tournament in diversifying Goa’s tourism offerings. “Goa is moving steadily towards becoming a premier sports tourism hub of India. Our support to tournaments like Goa Rugby 7s 2025 is a reflection of our vision to diversify Goa’s tourism offerings beyond beaches and nightlife. By nurturing such high-energy events, we are creating opportunities for our youth, boosting local communities, and showcasing Goa as a world-class destination for sports enthusiasts and travellers alike.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added that the event exemplifies Goa’s regenerative tourism approach. “The Department of Tourism is committed to developing an ecosystem where sports and tourism work hand in hand. Events like Goa Rugby 7s not only elevate Goa’s profile on the national and international sporting calendar but also align with our Regenerative Tourism approach by fostering local talent, supporting businesses, and ensuring sustainable visitor experiences.”

The collaboration with Crocotycles Rugby Foundation further highlights Goa’s intention to support niche and emerging sports. Rugby, a rapidly growing sport in India, is gaining momentum in Goa and offers an excellent platform for local athletes to showcase their skills at a national level. The tournament is expected to attract top teams from across India and potentially international entries, making it a significant event on Goa’s sporting calendar.

Goa’s scenic locations, modern infrastructure, and hospitable culture make it a perfect backdrop for such events. From marathons to triathlons and now rugby tournaments, the state is increasingly becoming a preferred venue for sporting events that align with sustainability and community development goals.

With Goa Rugby 7s 2025 – Season 2, the state reaffirms its commitment to promoting sports as a means of tourism diversification and youth engagement, positioning itself firmly as a leader in India’s sports tourism movement.

Sports

India U17 Triumph Over Bangladesh in Dramatic Penalty Shootout to Claim Seventh SAFF U17 Championship Title

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

In an electrifying final at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo on September 27, 2025, the India U17 men’s national team emerged victorious in the SAFF U17 Championship, securing their seventh title after a dramatic penalty shootout against Bangladesh. The encounter was a thrilling showcase of youthful energy, resilience, and footballing skill, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

India started the match on a high note, asserting attacking dominance from the outset. Just four minutes into the game, a precise cross from Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam found Dallamuon Gangte, who confidently converted to give India an early lead. The Blue Colts maintained their momentum, creating numerous chances and controlling possession against a Bangladesh team that had kept clean sheets throughout the tournament. However, Bangladesh’s persistence paid off in the 24th minute when Md Manik rose highest to head in a close-range goal from a corner, leveling the score and reigniting their challenge.

India responded with determination and reclaimed the lead shortly before halftime. Azlaan Shah KH capitalized on a goalkeeper’s fumble in the 38th minute, slotting the ball home to put India ahead 2-1 going into the break. The second half saw a tactical shift as India adopted a more cautious approach, prioritizing defensive solidity while Bangladesh pushed forward aggressively. The visitors came close to equalising multiple times, hitting the woodwork and testing India’s goalkeeper Manashjyoti Baruah with long-range shots and set-piece opportunities.

The drama intensified in stoppage time when Bangladesh’s Ihsan Habib Riduan delivered a heart-stopping equaliser in the seventh minute of added time, forcing the match into a penalty shootout. The shootout tested nerves and composure, where India’s young players demonstrated remarkable calmness under pressure. Converting four penalties successfully, they held their nerve as Bangladesh faltered, sealing the victory.

This triumph marks the fifth SAFF title for coach Bibiano Fernandes, who earlier led the Indian U19 team to glory this year. The win underscores the effectiveness of India’s youth football programs and the promising talent rising through the ranks. The squad, captained by Denny Singh Wangkhem and featuring key performers such as Dallamuon Gangte, Azlaan Shah KH, and Lesvin Rebello, has set a high benchmark for future teams.

The celebratory moment was completed as Lesvin Rebello proudly lifted the SAFF U-17 Championship trophy alongside his teammates, symbolizing the collective effort and passion that drove India to this memorable victory. The Blue Colts’ success in Colombo reflects a bright future for Indian football on the South Asian stage and beyond.

Sports

Goa Hosts 6th All Goa Deaf Football Tournament; Set to Welcome Nationals in October

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Sports Council of the Deaf (GSCD), in collaboration with Rudhra Sports Club, Comba-Margao, hosted the 6th All Goa Deaf Football Tournament at Fatorda-Margao. In an exciting final, North Goa triumphed over South Goa with a decisive 3-0 victory, reaffirming their dominance in the local deaf football circuit. Individual excellence was also celebrated, with Sanjil Parab winning Best Goal, Nitin Sonshikar securing the Golden Boot, and Kalpesh Ghadi being named Best Goalkeeper.

Gracing the event were key dignitaries including Vivekanand R. Tambi (TSO/Quepem), John Justine Fernandes (Executive Committee Member, AISCD), Prasad Joshi (General Secretary, GSCD), and the GSCD Board Members. Their presence underscored the growing importance and recognition of inclusive sports platforms in the state.

The tournament wasn’t just about accolades—it served as a critical scouting opportunity ahead of the upcoming National Football Championship for the Deaf (Junior Boys category), scheduled for October 9–12, 2025. In a historic first, Goa will host this national-level event at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim. Organised by GSCD and Rudhra Sports Club under the aegis of the All India Sports Council of the Deaf (AISCD), the event is being supported by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Government of Goa, as part of the International Purple Feast, in collaboration with the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.

This moment marks a major milestone in GSCD’s 28-year journey, as the organisation steps into the national spotlight as a host for the first time. Adding to Goa’s growing pride in the sports arena, local swimming talent Aahil Sheikh has been selected to represent India at the Deaflympics 2025 in Tokyo, which will take place from November 15–26. Aahil’s selection signals the rising wave of deaf athletes from the state making their mark on international platforms.

As Goa prepares to host the nation and send its best abroad, the message is clear: inclusivity in sports is no longer a footnote—it’s center stage.

Events in Goa

AIFF Proposes Goa as Host for Super Cup 2025; Winner to Earn AFC Champions League Playoff Slot

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, 14 September 2025: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has formally approached the Goa Football Association (GFA) to host the Super Cup 2025 across two prominent stadiums in Goa—Nehru Stadium, Fatorda and Athletic Stadium, Bambolim. The tournament is tentatively scheduled from October 25 to November 22 and will be held in a phased format, aligning with the upcoming FIFA international window.

According to AIFF’s proposed plan, the group stage—featuring 16 teams divided into four groups—will be held between October 25 and November 6. A break will follow for the international window, during which India will face Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup qualifier on November 18. The knockout stages, including the semifinals and final, are expected to resume post this fixture.

In a letter addressed to GFA President Caitano Fernandes, AIFF Deputy General Secretary M. Satyanarayan requested the GFA’s assistance in securing both stadiums, along with four training grounds for participating clubs. AIFF has also asked for support in managing floodlights for evening matches, providing ambulances and medical rooms, and ensuring seamless coordination with the Goa state government. Matches at Fatorda will be played under floodlights at 7:30 PM, while those at Bambolim will kick off at 5:00 PM.

“The AIFF deeply appreciates the long-standing cooperation extended by the GFA in hosting major national and international football competitions, and we look forward to your continued support in delivering another successful tournament in Goa,” the letter read.

The GFA has responded positively, stating that it is keen to extend “all possible help” to ensure the successful conduct of the tournament.

The Super Cup 2025 is expected to include 13 clubs from the Indian Super League (ISL) and 3 from the I-League, though four ISL clubs have only “conditionally consented” to participate due to pending clarity on the ISL start date and financial receivables. Odisha FC has already communicated its decision to opt out of the Super Cup but left the door open to reconsider if there is greater clarity.

A key incentive this year is the AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 berth. With India ranked 10th in the Asian Football Confederation’s Member Association standings for the West Zone, it has secured two continental spots. The ISL winner will gain direct entry into the ACL Two group stage, while the Super Cup winner will receive the second slot via a play-off, provided the club meets Premier 1 licensing requirements. Should the team not progress through the play-off, it will automatically be included in the AFC Challenge League group stage, ensuring India maintains strong representation at the continental level.

With continental qualification on the line, participation decisions pending, and Goa ready to host, the stage is being set for one of the most significant domestic football tournaments in the Indian calendar.