Sports

Rajashree Pednekar Creates History at Inter-College Powerlifting Championship


Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

Panaji/Taleigao, January 2026: Rajashree Pednekar, a final-year MCom student of DCTโ€™s Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College, delivered a historic performance at the Inter-College Powerlifting Championship 2025โ€“26, organised by Goa University at its Silver Jubilee Hall, Taleigao, from January 14 to 16, 2026.



Competing in the 57 kg weight category, Rajashree not only secured the gold medal but also set a new championship record by lifting a combined total of 307 kg across the three powerlifting disciplines โ€” Squats, Bench Press and Deadlift.

Her exceptional performance continued to shine on the final day of the championship, where she was declared the โ€˜Strongest Woman of Goa Universityโ€™, emerging on top among 98 participants representing various colleges across Goa and competing in eight different weight categories.

The achievement was lauded by the Principal of S. S. Dempo College, Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kamat, who congratulated and felicitated Rajashree for her remarkable feat. He assured her of the institutionโ€™s full support in pursuing excellence in both academics and sports.

Rajashreeโ€™s success stands as a proud moment for S. S. Dempo College and serves as an inspiration for young sportspersons across the state.

Sports

RC Goa, Priority Titans Register Victories in PGML 5.0


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji: RC Goa and Priority Titans continued their strong run in the Panaji Gymkhanaโ€“organised PGML 5.0 tournament, registering convincing victories on Saturday at the Panaji Gymkhana ground, Campal.



In the first match of the day, RC Goa defeated Sun Estate Warriors by 54 runs. Batting first after Sun Estate won the toss and elected to bowl, RC Goa posted a formidable total of 199 for 7 in 20 overs. Openers Sachin Sardessai (35) and Megh Netravalkar (45) gave the innings a solid start with an 82-run partnership. The middle order sustained the momentum, with Vardhan Prabhu Misquin contributing 38, skipper Rajshekhar Harikant adding 34, and Gauresh Khandeparkar scoring a quick 26. Dhilan Shah was the most successful bowler for Sun Estate Warriors, finishing with figures of 2 for 28.

Chasing a stiff target, Sun Estate Warriors struggled to build partnerships and were restricted to 145 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. Sahish Mahambrey top-scored with 40, but the chase faltered as Rajshekhar Harikant led from the front with the ball, returning impressive figures of 3 for 24. RC Goa thus sealed a comfortable 54-run victory.

The second match witnessed a closely contested encounter, with Priority Titans edging out Desserts N More Avengers by 16 runs. Priority Titans, batting first, posted 166 for 5 in 20 overs, anchored by an opening stand of 92 runs between Jaipal Mada (46) and Adeep Prabhu Miskin (37). Heramb Shankar Parab provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 23. For the Avengers, Ojas claimed 2 for 24.

In reply, Desserts N More Avengers got off to a promising start, with opener Ojas scoring a fluent 55 off 36 balls and Nityay Kunkolienkar adding 37. At one stage well placed at 94 for 1, the Avengers suffered a sudden collapse and were bowled out for 150 in 18.3 overs, handing Priority Titans a hard-fought victory.

Rajshekhar Harikant and Adeep Prabhu Miskin were adjudged Man of the Match in their respective fixtures for their all-round performances.

Sports

RC Goa, Sun Estate Warriors Register First Wins in PGML 5.0 at Panaji Gymkhana


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

RC Goa and Sun Estate Warriors registered their first victories of the tournament on Sunday in the ongoing PGML 5.0, organised by the Panaji Gymkhana at the Campal ground in Panaji.

In the morning match, RC Goa put up a dominant performance against Priority Titans. After winning the toss, Priority Titans elected to bat first and posted 106 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Rijul Pathak top-scored with 34 runs, while Heramb Shankar Parab contributed 22. RC Goaโ€™s bowling unit shared wickets evenly, with Gauresh Khandepakar and Dattesh Priolkar claiming two wickets each.

Chasing a modest target, RC Goa reached 111 for 4 in just 10.5 overs. Skipper Rajshekhar Harikant stole the spotlight with a blistering unbeaten 55 off just 19 balls, smashing seven sixes and a boundary. His match-winning knock earned him the Man of the Match award, presented by chief guest Rajesh Dempo in the presence of Manish Karapurkar and Amit Nachinolkar.

The second match of the day saw Sun Estate Warriors take on Baale Tigers in another low-scoring contest. Baale Tigers opted to bat first after winning the toss but were restricted to 115 runs in 19 overs. Samar Dubhashi remained unbeaten on 37, while Dhiraj Phadte added 33. Sun Estate Warriors bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with Balkrishna Hodarkar and Manish Kakode picking up two wickets each.

Sun Estate Warriors chased down the target comfortably, scoring 116 for 5 in 15 overs. Abhijit Bhandare top-scored with 51 runs off 30 balls, striking five fours and two sixes, while Mithun Govekar added a valuable 35 before retiring out. Bhandare was named Man of the Match, with the award presented by chief guest Harshvardhan Bhatkuly in the presence of Girish Parekh.

Both teams had suffered defeats in their opening matches, making Sundayโ€™s victories an important boost as the PGML 5.0 tournament continues to deliver exciting local cricket action.

Sports

GCA Office Bearers Attend 21st Manorva Cup Final Prize Distribution in Chapora


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Goa Cricket Association President Mahesh Dessai and Secretary Tulsidas Shetye attended the prize distribution ceremony of the 21st All Goa Season Ball Cricket Tournament, popularly known as the Manorva Cup, organised by the Manorva Sports and Cultural Club at the Chapora Panchayat Ground. Their presence added significance to the concluding ceremony of one of Goaโ€™s well-known local cricket tournaments.

Addressing the gathering, Mahesh Dessai, a former Ranji player, appreciated the efforts of the local MLA for initiating the development of a cricket ground in the area. He emphasised that proper infrastructure plays a vital role in strengthening cricket at the grassroots level and provides young players with the right environment to grow and excel. He also urged budding cricketers to remain disciplined, focused and committed to the sport.

Dessai highlighted the Goa Cricket Associationโ€™s ongoing initiatives to establish rural cricket centres across the state. These centres aim to identify talent from villages, nurture young players and offer them opportunities to progress to higher levels of competitive cricket.

GCA Secretary Tulsidas Shetye echoed similar sentiments and congratulated the organisers for successfully conducting the tournament. He noted that the Manorva Cup has consistently contributed to promoting cricket across Goa and encouraging participation at the community level.

In the final match, Mauli Sports Club, Nadora registered a dominant nine-wicket victory over Prestige 11. Batting first, Prestige 11 were bowled out for 136 runs in 19.3 overs. Mauli Sports Club chased the target comfortably, scoring 139 runs for the loss of just one wicket in 14.1 overs. Yogesh Kauthankar impressed with the ball for Mauli, claiming three wickets for 13 runs, while Sankalp Gawas remained unbeaten on 55 and Sachin Gawas scored an unbeaten 65 to seal a convincing win.

The successful conclusion of the 21st Manorva Cup once again underlined the importance of local tournaments in nurturing cricketing talent and sustaining the spirit of the game across Goa.

Sports

Sanquelim and Don Bosco Panjim Storm into Next Round of Servo Cup Football Tournament


The Servo Cup โ€“ the 3rd All Goa Inter-Collegiate Football Tournament, organised by the Herald Group in association with the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs (DSYA), Directorate of Health Services (DHS) and Goa University, continued with two crucial knockout encounters at the Government Football Ground, St Cruz.

With the tournament entering its decisive phase, both matches were played in a do-or-die format, where defeat meant elimination. The matches were witnessed by Guest of Honour Captain Sandeep Bhujbal, who observed a day of intense, high-quality collegiate football.

Sanquelim edge past PG Goa University 3โ€“1

In the first knockout match, Government College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Sanquelim produced a composed and determined performance to overcome PG Goa University, Taleigao 3โ€“1.

Sanquelim took an early lead in the second minute when Nakul Gawas converted a fine assist from Ayan. The early breakthrough allowed Sanquelim to dominate possession and control the tempo. Despite creating several chances, including missed opportunities by Ayan and Ramnath Parab, the Sanquelim side maintained pressure.

Ramnath Parab eventually doubled the lead before PG Goa University briefly revived hopes through Janiton, who reduced the margin to 2โ€“1. However, Sanquelim remained disciplined, and Ramnath Parab sealed the contest with his second goal, ensuring a deserved 3โ€“1 victory and progression to the next round.

Don Bosco Panjim register emphatic 6โ€“0 win

The second knockout fixture saw Don Bosco College, Panjim deliver a dominant display against Agnel Institute of Technology & Design (AITD), Assagao, cruising to a comprehensive 6โ€“0 win.

Vismay Dawre opened the scoring early, setting the tone for a one-sided contest. Don Bosco controlled possession throughout, creating consistent attacking opportunities. Ajay Raj emerged as the star of the match, netting the first hat-trick of the tournament with one goal in the first half and two more after the break.

Shubert Borges also found the net as Don Boscoโ€™s attacking unit overwhelmed AITD, who struggled to cope with the pace and precision of their opponents. The convincing victory secured Don Bosco Panjimโ€™s place in the next round.

With the tournament intensifying, the Servo Cup continues to showcase the depth of footballing talent across Goaโ€™s collegiate circuit.