Tag: Goa sports

Sports

Goa Sends 35 Athletes to 14th National Modern Pentathlon Biathle & Triathle Championship

Tanisha Cardozo

A 35-member strong team of athletes from the Modern Pentathlon Association of Goa (MPAG) is all set to represent the state at the 14th Modern Pentathlon Biathle & Triathle National Championship, scheduled to take place in Indore, Madhya Pradesh from October 4 to 7, 2025. The contingent includes participants from various age categories who have been rigorously training under experienced coaches to compete at the national level.

To mark the occasion, a formal farewell ceremony was held today at the DSYA office in Panaji. The event was graced by key officials including Shri. Sanjiv Gadkar (IAS), Secretary, Government of Goa, Dr. Ajay Gaude, Director of Sports & Executive Director of SAG, Smt. Sandhya Paliekar, Secretary, MPAG, Shri. Virendra Majik, Convenor, MPAG, and coaching staff Shri. Kirtan Vaiz, Shri. Alok Kothambikar, and Coach Nikita Naik. Managers Ishita Paliekar and Filda Eldro will accompany the team to the national event.

The event saw dignitaries offering their best wishes to the athletes, encouraging them to showcase their dedication, sportsmanship, and team spirit. They lauded the efforts of MPAG in nurturing young talent and promoting the modern pentathlon disciplines—particularly biathle and triathle, which combine swimming, running, and shooting in a dynamic sporting format.

The participation in this national championship is a significant opportunity for Goan athletes to shine on the national stage, gain exposure, and further develop their skills. It also reflects the growing prominence of modern pentathlon as a competitive sport in Goa and the efforts being made at grassroots and state levels to support and grow this discipline.

Team Goa departs with the support and blessings of the state’s sports leadership, carrying the hopes of a proud sporting community.

Sports

Shuttlers Bring the Heat at Goa State Badminton Ranking Tournament 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa State Badminton Ranking Tournament 2025 concluded with a series of electrifying performances at the Indoor Stadium, Campal, Panaji. Organized by Panjim Badminton Club and Panaji Krida Sankul under the aegis of the Goa Badminton Association and in collaboration with the North Goa District Badminton Association and the Sports Authority of Goa, the tournament witnessed top-level badminton action in the U15 and U17 age groups.

Among the standout performers were Advait Balakrishnan, Ritika Chelluri, and Sparsh Kolwalkar, each of whom claimed double titles. In the fiercely contested singles events, Mohammed Umar Shaikh showcased his grit and resilience in the Boys U15 final, fighting back after a first-game loss to defeat Sparsh Kolwalkar 14-21, 21-13, 21-15. In the Girls U15 final, Anaya Kamat put in a dominant display against the third seed Pragya Audi to win 21-16, 21-17. Aarush Pawaskar, the top seed in Boys U17, delivered a clinical performance in the final, cruising past Devansh Sakpal 21-15, 21-10. Ritika Chelluri triumphed in a tough three-game Girls U17 final against Sufiya Shaikh with scores of 21-19, 9-21, 21-15.

Doubles action brought with it plenty of drama and thrilling finishes. In the Boys U15 doubles, Arnav Saraf and Sparsh Kolwalkar overpowered Atharv Sadaye and Shaan C K with a 21-12, 21-13 victory. Girls U15 doubles saw Avni Khyalia and Palak Ramnathkar defeat Aaryaa Metry and Anaya Kamat 21-19, 21-15. Sparsh returned to the court with Aaryaa Metry in the U15 mixed doubles final to secure a second title in a gripping three-game encounter against Arnav Saraf and Niharika Parwar, winning 9-21, 24-22, 21-17.

Advait Balakrishnan’s brilliance continued in the U17 category as he teamed up with Vansh Khedkar to beat Aarush Pawaskar and Owais Tahasildar in the Boys U17 doubles final, 16-21, 21-10, 21-13. Advait then partnered Ritika Chelluri in the mixed doubles final and defeated Vansh and Sufiya in another thrilling three-setter, 19-21, 21-10, 21-19. The Girls U17 doubles final brought the tournament to a dramatic close, with Shivanjali Thite and Sufiya Shaikh edging past Dimple Revankar and Ritika Chelluri 20-22, 21-16, 21-19.

The event not only highlighted the immense talent pool in Goa’s badminton scene but also reflected the dedication of organizers, associations, and coaching teams in fostering competitive spirit and excellence in youth sports.

Sports

Goa’s Lloyd Fernandes Selected for ITTF Asian Para Championship After Double Gold Victory

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

For many, an accident might seem like the end of life. But for some, it becomes the beginning of a powerful new chapter. Lloyd Fernandes from Goa is one such person who turned tragedy into triumph. In 2016, Lloyd’s life changed forever after a devastating accident left him paralyzed. While most would struggle to cope, Lloyd found strength in an unexpected place—table tennis.

Determined not to let his condition define him, Lloyd picked up the sport after the accident. It started as a form of therapy and evolved into a full-fledged passion. With every swing of the paddle, he built confidence, strength, and purpose. He trained rigorously, competed fiercely, and steadily carved a name for himself in the world of Para Table Tennis.

His hard work paid off in March 2025 when he clinched two consecutive gold medals—first at the Para Table Tennis National Ranking Championship held from March 17–19, and then again at the Para Senior Table Tennis National Championship from March 21–23. Both prestigious events were hosted at the Sama Indoor Sports Complex in Vadodara, Gujarat.

Lloyd’s exceptional performance has now earned him a coveted spot in the ITTF Asian Para Championship, a major international tournament that gathers the best para-athletes from across the continent. His selection is not just a personal achievement, but also a proud moment for Goa and India.

Lloyd Fernandes’s journey from paralysis to the international stage is more than just a story of sports. It’s a powerful reminder that resilience, determination, and passion can overcome any obstacle. As he prepares to represent India at the ITTF Asian Para Championship, he carries with him the hopes of many and the undeniable spirit of a true champion.

Sports

6-Year-Old Jolishaa Fernandes Shines with Gold and Silver in State-Level Karate Championship

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

At just six years old, Jolishaa Fernandes from Canca Khalap Vaddo has proven that determination and talent know no age limits. The young martial artist made waves at the recent Karate Championship organized by the International Japan Karate Association of India – Goa, which took place at the Badminton Indoor Stadium in Peddem.

Jolishaa participated in the fiercely competitive event and emerged with two medals – a prestigious gold and a commendable silver – showcasing her dedication, focus, and skill in the martial art of karate. Her performance stood out among participants from across the state, earning admiration from judges, coaches, and spectators alike.

The event, known for maintaining international standards and discipline, brought together young talents from all over Goa. Jolishaa’s success is not just a personal achievement but also a proud moment for her family and community in Canca Khalap Vaddo. Her story serves as an inspiration to many young children aspiring to follow their passion, proving that age is no barrier when one is driven by spirit and discipline.

Jolishaa’s victory is a promising beginning to what could be a bright future in martial arts and sports.

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.