Tag: Goa sports

Sports

Goa to Host Vizzy Trophy 2026: Top University Teams Set to Clash

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is set to become the centre of university cricket action as the Goa Cricket Association gears up to host the prestigious Vizzy Trophy from March 1 to 7, 2026. The tournament will bring together some of the finest university cricketers from across the country, representing the North, South, East, and West Zones.

Played in the one-day format, the competition promises fast-paced and competitive cricket, offering young players a valuable opportunity to showcase their skills on a national stage. The Vizzy Trophy has long been regarded as an important platform for emerging talent, often serving as a stepping stone for players aspiring to make their mark in professional cricket.

Matches will be conducted at two key venues — the GCA Ground in Porvorim and the Panjim Gymkhana Ground — both of which are expected to host exciting encounters throughout the week-long tournament. With teams from different zones bringing diverse playing styles and strengths, spectators can look forward to a dynamic and engaging cricketing spectacle.

Beyond the competition, the tournament also highlights Goa’s growing presence as a host for major sporting events. By bringing together top university teams, the Vizzy Trophy not only promotes competitive cricket but also encourages sports development at the grassroots and collegiate levels.

As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on the young cricketers who will take the field, aiming to leave a lasting impression. With talent, ambition, and opportunity coming together, the Vizzy Trophy 2026 is set to be a significant chapter in India’s university cricket calendar.

Sports

Saras Summer Powar Wins Gopal Sukhtankar Memorial Chess 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

The Late Lt Cdr Gopal Sukhtankar Memorial Open Rapid FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 2026 concluded on a high note in Panaji, showcasing some of the finest chess talent from across the region. Organised by the Mustifund Parents Teacher Association, the tournament marked its 14th edition, continuing its legacy of promoting competitive chess in Goa.

    Saras Summer Powar emerged as the champion after an intense competition, finishing with an impressive score of 8 points. In a closely contested battle, Joshua Telles matched the same score but had to settle for the runner-up position due to a marginally lower tie-break score. Aryavrat Naik Desai secured third place with a commendable 7.5 points, rounding off the top three.

    The tournament saw strong participation across categories, with several players delivering notable performances. From fourth to twentieth place, competitors including Abhishek Patil, Atharva Katkar, Rishikesh Parab, Maxwell Raposo, and others demonstrated high levels of skill and determination throughout the event.

    Young talents also took centre stage in the category prizes across various age groups, highlighting the depth of emerging chess players in Goa. Winners from U7 to U15 categories, including Shrivalli Gandhi, Lyia Silveira, Anvi Desai, and many more, showcased exceptional promise and competitive spirit.

    Special recognitions added further significance to the event, with Gaonkar Aayansh being honoured as the youngest player, while Elis Barreto and Kiran Chopdekar were recognised among veteran participants. Mushtifund players also received appreciation for their efforts and performances.

    The prize distribution ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Chief Guest Sushant Redkar and Goa Chess Association President Mahesh Candolkar, along with key members of the organising committee and arbiters.

    With another successful edition completed, the tournament once again reinforced Goa’s growing presence in the chess circuit, fostering talent and encouraging young players to pursue excellence in the sport.

    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

    Goa Players Earn South Zone Selection for Senior Women’s Inter Zonal Trophy

    Tanisha Cardozo

    The Goa Cricket Association has announced the selection of its representatives in the South Zone squad for the upcoming Senior Women’s Inter Zonal One Day Trophy, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru from March 5 to March 15, 2026.

    Purvaja Verlekar has been selected as part of the main squad, while Poorva Bhaidkar has been named as a standby player. Rakshanda Pilankar has also been included in the squad as Performance Analyst, representing Goa in the support staff.

    The selection marks a significant milestone for Goa cricket, reflecting the steady growth and development of women’s cricket in the state. It also highlights the increasing recognition of Goan players and professionals at higher competitive levels within the domestic cricket structure.

    The Senior Women’s Inter Zonal One Day Trophy is a prestigious platform that brings together top performers from across zones, offering players the opportunity to compete at an elite level and further strengthen their prospects in national selection pathways.

    The association congratulated the selected player and support staff member, describing their inclusion in the South Zone squad as a proud moment for the state. It also extended its best wishes to the team for a successful campaign in the tournament.

    With consistent performances and growing opportunities, women’s cricket in Goa continues to build momentum, and selections like these serve as inspiration for many aspiring cricketers across the region.

    Sports

    All India Public Sector Football Tournament 2025–26 Kicks Off in Goa

    Tanisha Cardozo

    The All India Public Sector Football Tournament 2025–26 was inaugurated in Goa in a grand ceremony led by Vipin Kumar, IAS, Chairman of the Airports Authority of India. The prestigious tournament brings together 12 elite teams representing leading Public Sector Undertakings from across the country, highlighting the spirit of unity and competitive excellence within the public sector.

    The inauguration ceremony was attended by Nivedita Dubey, Member (HR); Prem Prasad N, Regional Executive Director (WR); Suneel Dutt, Executive Director CNS; and Flt Lt Akash Deep Mathur, Airport Director, Goa International Airport. The presence of senior leadership underscored the importance of sports in fostering teamwork and camaraderie among public sector organisations.

    Flt Lt Akash Deep Mathur welcomed the distinguished guests and participating teams, setting a positive tone for the tournament. The event was formally inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp and flag waving by the Chairman and dignitaries, symbolising the beginning of the competition.

    Addressing the gathering, Chairman Vipin Kumar encouraged the teams to uphold the values of team spirit, sportsmanship, resilience and discipline. He emphasised that tournaments such as these not only promote physical fitness but also strengthen bonds between organisations and inspire collective excellence.

    The opening ceremony was marked by vibrant cultural programmes, including traditional Goan folk dance performances, adding local colour and celebration to the occasion. A grand players’ parade accompanied by a brass band further elevated the atmosphere, as participating teams marched with pride.

    With 12 top PSU teams competing, the tournament promises exciting matches and high-level football action. Beyond the competition, the event stands as a celebration of unity, discipline and sporting excellence within India’s public sector community, setting the stage for spirited performances in the days ahead.