Sports

Sinq Rangers Secure Dominant 23-Run Win in GSB Unity Cup 3.0


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Margao: Sinq Rangers registered an emphatic 23-run victory over Desserts N More Avengers in the GSB Unity Cup 3.0 tournament organized by the Goa GSB Sports & Charitable Trust. The match, played under lights at the MCC Ground in Margao on Thursday, witnessed a clinical performance from the Rangers in both departments.


Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Sinq Rangers posted a competitive 162 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. The foundation was laid by a strong middle-order display, with Sairaj Dhond smashing a brisk 50 off just 25 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes. Mehank Dharwadkar added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 40 off 24 deliveries, striking one four and three sixes. Sudhir Kenkre (23) and Vismay Falgavkar (18) chipped in with useful contributions. For the Avengers, Siddhesh Prabhu Alvencar was the standout bowler with figures of 2/29.

Chasing 163 for victory, Desserts N More Avengers started cautiously but struggled to keep pace with the required run rate as wickets fell at regular intervals. Captain Kaushal Hattangadi led from the front with a fighting 46 off 28 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes. Smit Dalvi (24), Sachin Bhandare (15), and Bhushan Bambolkar (12) tried to steady the innings, but the mounting pressure proved too much. The Avengers eventually closed at 139 for 7 in their 20 overs.

The Rangersโ€™ bowling attack was disciplined and effective, with Nikhil Virginkar, Krishnakant Hegde Desai, and Arin Angle claiming two wickets each. Tight bowling spells and sharp fielding ensured the target remained out of reach for the Avengers.

For his explosive half-century, Sairaj Dhond was named the Desserts N More Player of the Match, while Arin Angle received the Kamat Realty Hero of the Match award. The awards were presented by Anup Kudchadkar and Pranav Biche.

With this convincing win, Sinq Rangers strengthened their standing in the tournament and reaffirmed their credentials as strong contenders for the GSB Unity Cup 3.0 title

Sports

Junior Cricket Championship 2026 Set to Bowl Off in Goa


The Junior Cricket Championship 2026 is all set to bring an exciting wave of grassroots cricket action to Goa as young talents gear up to showcase their skills from February 25 to 28. Organised by Oxford Cricket Club, the tournament will be held across two venuesโ€”Arlem Ground in Margao and Chicalim Ground in Vascoโ€”creating a competitive yet nurturing environment for budding cricketers.

Spanning four days, the championship will feature three key age categoriesโ€”U-15, U-14, and U-13โ€”ensuring a broad platform for emerging players at different stages of development. Matches will follow a 25-over format, scheduled across morning and afternoon sessions, allowing for a packed and engaging tournament structure. The league stage will culminate in a third-place playoff and the grand finale on February 28, promising a thrilling conclusion.

A total of eight teams have been divided into two groups, setting the stage for intense competition. Group A includes Dhadsakal Star, AK Rangers, Banjara Cricket Club and Ghumteshwar, while Group B features Oxford, MCC, Panjim Challengers and Porvorim Panthers. With teams evenly matched, the championship is expected to deliver high-energy encounters leading into the knockout rounds.

The tournament, powered by CricHeroes, reflects a growing emphasis on structured cricket at the grassroots level in Goa. Speaking about the initiative, JCC President Romeen Mulam shared that the idea stemmed from a noticeable gap in organised opportunities for young players. While tennis-ball cricket tournaments and auctions are common among adults, similar platforms for children were largely absent until recent efforts.

Mulam recalled that the club itself was founded two decades ago in Dubai under the guidance of Mukhtar Khadri, with a vision to create meaningful cricketing opportunities. Bringing that vision to Goa, the championship aims to bridge the gap and offer young players a chance to experience competitive cricket in a professional setup.

The response to the tournament has been overwhelmingly positive. Despite initially capping participation at 150 players, registrations surged to 196, reflecting strong interest from both players and parents. This enthusiasm underlines the growing appetite for structured sporting opportunities among Goaโ€™s youth.

Mulam also acknowledged the support extended by the Goa Cricket Association and the Sports Authority of Goa, which has been instrumental in ensuring the smooth conduct of the event. Their involvement further strengthens the credibility and scale of the championship.

Beyond the matches and competition, the organisers envision the Junior Cricket Championship as a long-term initiative that will become a staple in Goaโ€™s sporting calendar. By providing consistent exposure and a professional framework, the tournament seeks to nurture talent at an early stage and contribute to the development of future cricket stars from the region.

As the tournament gets underway, cricket enthusiasts, parents and supporters are invited to witness the action unfold and cheer on the next generation of Goan cricketers. With high energy, competitive spirit and raw talent on display, the Junior Cricket Championship 2026 promises to be a celebration of youth, passion and the future of cricket in Goa.

Sports

Baale BPS Open 2026: Kyan Mavany, Ethan Ataide Advance to Boys U-14 Final; Girls Semifinalists Confirmed


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Margao, February 2026 โ€“ The third edition of the Baale BPS Open 2026 continues to showcase emerging tennis talent, with exciting matches unfolding at the B.P.S. Sports Club in Margao.


In the Boys Under-14 category, Kyan Mavany and Ethan Ataide secured their spots in the final after impressive semifinal victories. Kyan delivered a commanding performance, defeating Alec Barreto 4-0, 4-0 in straight sets. Ethan, meanwhile, battled through a gripping encounter against Shaurya Verlekar, eventually clinching the match 4-3, 1-4, 11-9 in a thrilling decider.

Earlier in the quarterfinals, Kyan maintained his dominant form with a 6-1 win over Devaansh Naik. Alec Barreto advanced with a 6-1 victory against Aarav Ataide, while Shaurya Verlekar edged Arsh Sardesai 7-5 in a closely fought match. Ethan Ataide also impressed, progressing with a 6-3 win over Christian Fernandes.

In the opening round, Kyan began his campaign with a 6-0 victory over Parth Kadam. Devaansh Naik defeated Satya Stewart 6-1, while Aarav Ataide registered a 6-4 win over Aymer Fernandes. Alec Barreto advanced with a dominant 6-0 performance against Keon Fernandes. Shaurya Verlekar posted a 6-1 win over Vihaan Krishnan, Arsh Sardesai defeated Ivan Henriques 6-2, and Ethan Ataide secured a 6-0 victory over Arnav Kamat.

In the Girls Under-14 category, the quarterfinals produced several convincing results. Tvisha Sardesai cruised to a 6-0 win over Eva de Souza, Kimberly Dโ€™sa defeated Myra Borkar 6-0, Urvi Panandikar advanced with a 6-4 victory against Analeah Menezes, and Bhaavya Bhoomkar secured a 6-1 win over Anindita Sawate.

Supported by Baale Resort Goa and conducted under the aegis of the Goa State Tennis Association (GSTA), the Baale BPS Open 2026 has attracted 197 entries across junior, open, and veteransโ€™ categories. The 11-day tournament continues to provide a competitive platform for rising stars and seasoned players alike, with several key matches scheduled in the coming days.

Sports

Baale BPS Open 2026 Kicks Off Strong as Masters 45+ Players Shine


The third edition of the Baale BPS Open 2026 got underway with an impressive display of skill and competitive spirit in the Masters 45+ Singles category at B.P.S. Sports Club in Margao. Veteran players set the tone early in the state-ranking tournament, delivering a series of decisive performances as they progressed through the opening rounds.

The tournament was inaugurated at the Margao venue in the presence of key dignitaries from the local tennis and sporting community, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting edition. From the outset, players showcased sharp form, with several dominant wins highlighting the opening dayโ€™s action. Sameer secured a commanding 6-0 victory over Anup, while Pankaj Naik mirrored that performance with a clinical win against Brian by the same margin. Kalyananaraman B advanced with a confident 6-2 win over Rohan L, and Marcus edged past Kedar in a closely fought contest, finishing 6-4. Ehrlick also progressed comfortably with a 6-0 victory over T Kulkarni.

The intensity continued into the second round, where Dimitry delivered a composed performance to defeat Sidharth S 6-2. Neville battled through a tight match against Sameer, eventually winning 7-5, while Kalyananaraman B maintained his strong run with a convincing 6-1 victory over Kishore. Marcus continued his steady form with a solid 6-3 win against Naveen, further underlining the competitive depth in the veteransโ€™ category.

Supported by Baale Resort Goa and conducted under the aegis of the Goa State Tennis Association, the tournament has attracted a total of 197 entries across junior, open, and veteransโ€™ categories. The growing participation reflects the tournamentโ€™s rising stature within Goaโ€™s sporting calendar. This yearโ€™s edition has also introduced new veteransโ€™ events, including the Masters 60+ Singles and Masters 100+ Doubles categories, expanding opportunities for senior players to compete at a structured level.

The tournament will run over 11 days at the B.P.S. Sports Club courts, with matches scheduled across multiple categories. As the competition progresses, players and spectators alike can expect more high-quality tennis and closely contested matches, reinforcing the eventโ€™s reputation as one of the stateโ€™s premier tennis tournaments.

Sports

Baale BPS Open 2026 Draws 197 Entries; New Masters 60+ & 100+ Categories Added


The Baale BPS Open 2026 has recorded a total of 197 entries as registrations officially closed ahead of the tournamentโ€™s commencement on February 19 at the B.P.S Sports Club in Margao. Now in its third edition, the all-Goa ranking tennis tournament continues to grow in stature, attracting participants across junior, open and veteransโ€™ categories.

Supported by Baale Resort Goa and conducted under the aegis of the Goa State Tennis Association, the tournament reflects the steady expansion of competitive tennis in the state. This yearโ€™s entries include 107 male and 26 female participants competing across singles and doubles formats.

The junior categories have drawn 61 entries across under-10, under-14 and under-18 boysโ€™ and girlsโ€™ singles events, signalling strong grassroots engagement and continued interest in the sport among young players. The open division has received 95 entries across menโ€™s and womenโ€™s singles, menโ€™s and ladiesโ€™ doubles and mixed doubles, underscoring the competitive depth within Goaโ€™s tennis circuit.

The veteransโ€™ segment has recorded 41 entries, with players competing in Masters 45+ Singles, Masters 60+ Singles and Masters 100+ Doubles. The introduction of the Masters 60+ Singles and Masters 100+ Doubles categories marks a significant expansion this year, offering senior players additional competitive platforms while recognising their sustained contribution to the sport.

The tournament will be played over 11 days at the B.P.S Sports Club courts in Margao, bringing together emerging talent and experienced competitors in one of Goaโ€™s most anticipated state ranking tennis events. As the countdown begins, the Baale BPS Open 2026 promises high-quality matches, sporting excellence and a celebration of tennis across generations.