Tag: GFDC

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No Restrictions on Visiting Goa’s Waterfalls: GFDC Chairperson Clarifies

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, Goa – In line with the directives of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, the Goa Forest Development Corporation (GFDC) has issued a public clarification confirming that all popular waterfall sites in Goa remain open to visitors.

Amid speculation or confusion surrounding access to natural tourist sites during the monsoon season, the Chairperson of GFDC has reaffirmed that there are no restrictions on visiting Goa’s scenic waterfalls.

Waterfalls such as Dudhsagar, Mainapi, Savari, and Pali, all of which are under the management of GFDC, are fully operational with necessary facilities in place. These include trained personnel, safety guidelines, sanitation measures, and eco-friendly infrastructure aimed at ensuring a safe and memorable experience for all.

“Our focus at GFDC is to make Goa’s waterfalls not just accessible, but safe, clean, eco-friendly, and enriching,” the Chairperson emphasized. “We are committed to preserving these natural treasures while promoting responsible tourism that benefits both people and the environment.”

This announcement comes as a reassurance to both domestic and international tourists who plan to explore the rich biodiversity and natural heritage of Goa during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.

GFDC continues to work closely with Goa Tourism and other state bodies to encourage nature-based tourism, ensuring sustainability and local engagement in every initiative.

Visitors are encouraged to follow guidelines, respect nature, and participate in keeping these spaces clean and safe for future generations.

Sports

GFDC Celebrates 13 Years of Football Development in Goa

allycaralgoa

The Goa Football Development Council (GFDC), established in 2012 to nurture football talent at the grassroots level, celebrated its 13th year on August 13, 2025, at the Athletic Stadium, Santacruz.

The special function began at 5:30 PM with a cake-cutting ceremony, graced by Chief Guest Secretary Sports, Shri. Santosh Sukhadeve, IAS, alongside Dr. Ajay Gaude, Director, Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs; Shri. Sumith Maheshwari, High Performance Director, Khelo India; Fransquinha Almeida, Member Secretary, GFDC; and other dignitaries.

The celebrations included spirited football matches between coaches and officials of GFDC, DSYA, and SAG, showcasing camaraderie and passion for the sport. Prizes were distributed by the Secretary Sports, acknowledging the contributions of participants and stakeholders.

Since its inception, GFDC has played a pivotal role in promoting football in Goa through grassroots programs, coaching clinics, youth leagues, and fitness assessments for coaches. Its initiatives have been instrumental in creating a sustainable ecosystem for football talent in the state.

Sports

FC Goa Sign Promising Goan Midfielder Harsh Patre for the 2025-26 Season

allycaralgoa

Panaji, July 2025 — FC Goa have announced the signing of 22-year-old Goan midfielder Harsh Patre, bringing back one of the state’s finest young talents ahead of the 2025-26 Indian Super League season.

Patre, who began his football journey at the Goa Football Development Council (GFDC) academy, first caught the attention of FC Goa’s scouting team back in the 2018-19 AIFF Junior League, while ironically playing against the Gaurs’ U15 team. His composure, technique, and footballing intelligence at such a young age made a lasting impression.

Over the years, Patre honed his skills with the Indian Arrows, a developmental side run by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), giving him crucial exposure in the I-League. His performances there earned him a move to Bengaluru FC in the 2022-23 season, where he made rapid progress from the reserves to the ISL senior team.

“We’ve tracked Harsh for years,” said Lokesh Bherwani, FC Goa’s Director of Football. “From his time at GFDC to his I-League stint, we always believed he’d return home. We are confident he will be a vital player for us this season and beyond.”

The signing aligns with FC Goa’s philosophy of nurturing homegrown talent and solidifying its Goan core. Patre’s ability to control midfield tempo and make intelligent decisions fits seamlessly into FC Goa’s possession-based style.

Speaking about the move, Harsh said:

“Coming back to play for FC Goa is a dream come true. As a Goan, this club has always had a special place in my heart. I’m grateful for this opportunity and will give everything for the badge.”

The 2025-26 season looks promising for the Gaurs, with exciting new additions like Patre complementing an already competitive squad. Fans can expect to see him make a mark in midfield, inspired by both home pride and professional ambition.

Sports

Calangute Association Storm Into Vedanta Trophy Final With Commanding Win

allycaralgoa

Sinquerim, Goa – July 1, 2025 : Calangute Association Football Club has marched confidently into the final of the 1st Vedanta Trophy, registering a solid 2-0 victory over their opponents at the Sinquerim Sports Club ground on Monday.

The game saw Calangute dominate in both possession and chances created. Rising star Jovito Fernandes opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, converting an early opportunity that gave Calangute a 1-0 advantage going into the break.

After halftime, the pressure didn’t ease. Former Goa state player Pedro Gonsalves doubled the lead in the 53rd minute, calmly finishing past the goalkeeper to all but seal Calangute’s place in the final.

The match, however, wasn’t without its physical moments. Referee decisions led to yellow cards being issued to Pratik Tirodkar, Gauresh, and Aiyan Shaikh for fouls committed during intense play.

Pedro Gonsalves was later named Man of the Match for his composed midfield performance and decisive goal. The award was presented by Franklin Roncon, a representative from the Goa Football Development Council (GFDC).

Calangute Association’s disciplined defense and clinical finishing proved too much for their opponents, and they now head into the final as firm contenders for the inaugural Vedanta Trophy title.

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Collaborative Push for Sustainable Tourism: Goa to Spotlight Forests, Waterfalls, and Hinterland

allycaralgoa

Panaji, 9th June 2025 – In a significant step towards expanding Goa’s tourism offerings beyond its iconic coastline, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, convened a meeting with the Goa Forest Development Corporation (GFDC), to explore collaborative avenues for promoting hinterland, eco, wellness, and adventure tourism under the state’s vision of Goa Beyond Beaches. The meeting was led by Hon’ble Minister Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte and in the presence of Director Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik; Managing Director, GTDC, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar; GFDC Chairperson, Dr. Divya Rane; GFDC Managing Director, Nandkumar Parab; GFDC General Manager, Shri Amar Heblekar and OSD to Tourism Minister, Shri Shawn Mendes

Recognising the need for a more integrated and sustainable approach to tourism development, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte expressed the importance of working in collaboration across departments to tap into Goa’s diverse natural and cultural assets. “If the Tourism Department and the Forest Department work in unison, a tremendous opportunity lies ahead for creating high-end, sustainable tourism experiences. This collaboration can serve as a blueprint for eco-tourism and nature-based experiences that benefit both locals and visitors,” the Minister stated.

The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to diversifying the tourism landscape by promoting nature, wellness, adventure, and cultural experiences nestled in Goa’s hinterland. “We must now turn our focus inward to our waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, forest heritage, and eco-trails. Together, we can craft an entirely new narrative for Goa that is inclusive, regenerative, and future-facing,” remarked GFDC Chairperson, Dr. Divya Rane.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to hold further deliberations in coordination with the Hon’ble Forest Minister and the Forest Department to translate this shared vision into actionable outcomes.