Tag: Goa sports

Sports

Proud Moment for Goa: Lloyd Fernandes to Represent India at ITTF World Para Challenger 2025

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Taleigao, Goa – Goa has yet another reason to celebrate as local table tennis champion Lloyd Fernandes gears up to represent India on the global stage at the prestigious ITTF World Para Challenger 2025, to be held in Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) from 2nd to 6th July 2025.

A resident of Taleigao, Lloyd Fernandes has been making waves in the world of para sports. He is currently ranked No. 1 in India in his category, a testament to his skill, determination, and dedication to the sport. Lloyd has earned his spot among the elite 16-member Indian para table tennis team selected to compete in the international championship.

Rising Through the Ranks

Lloyd’s journey is not just one of athletic achievement but also of perseverance. Overcoming challenges with grit and grace, he has steadily risen through national rankings to become one of India’s most promising para athletes in table tennis.

This selection to the Indian contingent for the ITTF World Para Challenger is a proud milestone not only for Lloyd but for the entire Goan sporting community. His participation places Goa on the global para sports map and serves as an inspiration for countless young athletes, especially those with disabilities.

Support and Good Wishes from the Community

The Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) has extended its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Lloyd for the upcoming championship.

“Lloyd Fernandes is a shining example of what is possible with talent, hard work, and the right support. We are proud of his achievements and confident that he will make India and Goa proud at the ITTF World Para Challenger,” said a DRAG representative.

A Role Model for Inclusion and Excellence

As para sports continue to gain recognition, athletes like Lloyd are not only competing but also breaking stereotypes, pushing boundaries, and proving that excellence knows no limits. His representation at an international level underscores the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and support for athletes with disabilities.

The entire state of Goa — and indeed the nation — stands behind Lloyd Fernandes as he prepares to compete against the world’s best. Here’s wishing him success, strength, and a memorable performance in Chinese Taipei.

Sports

8-Year-Old Amaira Dhumatker to Shine at Yonex-Sunrise All India U-13 Badminton Tournament in Goa

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Goa, June 18, 2025 – At just 8 years old, Goa’s rising badminton prodigy Amaira Dhumatker is making waves in the Indian sports circuit. The young sensation will be representing Goa in both Girls’ Singles and Doubles categories at the Yonex-Sunrise All India Sub Junior (U-13) Ranking Badminton Tournament 2025, scheduled to take place at Navelim, Goa from June 23 to 28, 2025.

Known for her fierce spirit, sharp reflexes, and unmatched dedication, Amaira is already turning heads in the national badminton scene as one of India’s youngest competitors at this prestigious level. Despite being several years younger than most of her peers in the U-13 category, she continues to display skill and maturity well beyond her age.

A Star in the Making

Amaira’s journey began on the courts of Goa, where her relentless passion for the sport quickly caught the attention of coaches and sports associations. Training under seasoned mentors and putting in hours of disciplined practice each day, she’s fast becoming a name to watch in Indian junior badminton.

Her participation in the upcoming national-level ranking tournament marks a major milestone—not just in her young career, but also for Goa, which continues to nurture sporting talent across disciplines.

What to Expect

The Yonex-Sunrise All India Sub Junior Ranking Tournament is one of the most competitive events for young shuttlers in the country. Bringing together the top-ranked players in the U-13 category, the tournament offers an intense and exciting platform for future badminton stars.

Amaira will be competing in:

  • U-13 Girls’ Singles
  • U-13 Girls’ Doubles

Badminton fans, coaches, and supporters can catch her live in action from June 23 to 28 at the indoor stadium in Navelim, as she represents both her state and the spirit of youthful ambition.

Community Support and Inspiration

Amaira’s participation is being celebrated across Goa’s sports and education circles. She serves as an inspiration to many young athletes, proving that age is no barrier when backed by hard work, focus, and a love for the game.

Whether you’re a badminton enthusiast or simply love rooting for rising talent, Amaira Dhumatker is one name you won’t want to miss at this year’s tournament.

Conclusion:
As the countdown begins for the Yonex-Sunrise All India Sub Junior Tournament 2025, all eyes will be on the courts of Navelim. With her racket in hand and dreams in her eyes, Amaira Dhumatker is ready to take on the challenge—and win hearts along the way.

Social

Vedanta Sesa Goa Empowers Para-Athlete Sakshi Kale Ahead of World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 in Paris

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Panaji, Goa | May 26, 2025
In a heartwarming and empowering event held at Sesa Ghor, Vedanta Sesa Goa extended its strong support to Goa’s rising para-athletics star Ms. Sakshi Kale, congratulating her on her selection to represent India at the prestigious World Para Athletics Grand Prix (WPAGP) 2025 in Paris. The interaction was led by Mr. Navin Jaju, CEO of Vedanta Sesa Goa, who lauded Sakshi’s achievements and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent under its #IronLadies25 initiative.

Sakshi, a Khelo India Gold Medalist and international silver medalist, has become a beacon of hope and inspiration, especially for the differently-abled community in Goa. Her remarkable performances — Gold at the 2nd Khelo India Para National and Silver at the WPAGP 2025 – Delhi in the 100m sprint — paved the way for her inclusion in the Indian contingent heading to Paris. She is the only Goan selected among 23 athletes representing the country, and will compete in the 400m and 1500m events.

During the interaction, Mr. Navin Jaju praised Sakshi’s determination and expressed pride in her achievements:

“I wish Ms. Sakshi Kale the very best for the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025. She is a role model and an #IronLady who inspires us with her spirit and enthusiasm. At Vedanta Sesa Goa, we are extremely proud of her selection. Supporting her through our #IronLadies25 initiative aligns with our mission to bridge the gap between opportunity and aspiration,” he said.

The event also saw the presence of Mr. Sudesh Thakur, Secretary of the Goa Paralympic Association, who acknowledged Sakshi’s potential and Vedanta’s continued support for sports:

“We are confident in Sakshi’s ability to perform at the highest level. Her dedication is commendable, and we thank Vedanta Sesa Goa for backing her. Their efforts in sports development through the Sesa Football Academy and other initiatives are exemplary.”

A resident of Usgao, Goa, and student of GCASC, Khandola, Ms. Sakshi Kale has overcome visual impairment to become a powerhouse in para-athletics. She has made consistent appearances in both junior and senior national championships and is known for her performance in middle-distance runs.

Expressing her gratitude, Sakshi said:

“Representing India at the international level is a dream come true. I thank the Government of India, the Goa Paralympic Association, and especially Vedanta Sesa Goa for their unwavering support. Their encouragement has strengthened my resolve to train harder and bring glory to the nation.”

Vedanta Sesa Goa has long championed the cause of sports development and inclusion. The Sesa Football Academy (SFA) and Vedanta Women’s League (VWL) have nurtured young talent across Goa, while the Vedanta Ultimate Badminton League has further expanded the state’s sporting horizon. The company actively supports marathons, cricket tournaments, and community events, promoting physical fitness and youth engagement.

The recent victory of the SFA Senior Women’s Team in the 8th edition of the VWL is a testament to Vedanta’s vision of creating a holistic and inclusive sports ecosystem.

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Sports

Registration Underway for the Second Edition of Baale BPS Open 2025

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~ The second edition of Baale BPS will feature the inaugural Wheelchair Tennis Challenger Tournament, a groundbreaking event aimed at promoting inclusivity in the sport.

~ This time, the Baale BPS Open 2025 will introduce the Ladies Doubles category, marking an exciting new addition to the tournament.

Panaji, Feb 2025 – Registrations for the second edition of the Baale BPS Open 2025, an all-Goa ranking tennis tournament, are underway, promising another thrilling showcase of talent and sportsmanship. Supported by Baale Resort Goa and the Goa State Tennis Association (GSTA), the event is being organised by the prestigious B.P.S Sports Club in Margao. 

The matches will commence on February 16 at the B.P.S Sports Club.

The tournament will open with matches in the Masters category, followed by the historic Wheelchair Tennis Challenger Tournament on February 22, a first-of-its-kind event in Goa, where para-athletes will test their skills on a tennis court. The tournament is aimed at promoting inclusivity in sports. The event will conclude with the highly anticipated Open Category matches on February 23, where some of Goa’s top-ranked players will compete for ranking points and prestigious titles.

The Baale BPS Open 2025 features an extensive lineup of categories to cater to players of all age groups and skill levels. In the Masters Segment, participants can compete in Masters Singles 45+, Masters Singles 55+, Masters Doubles 45+ (minimum age 45), and Masters Doubles 55+ (minimum age 55). The Open Category includes Under-10 (Girls and Boys), Under-14 (Girls and Boys), Under-18 (Girls and Boys), Men’s Singles, Ladies’ Singles, Men’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. Participants are allowed to compete in a maximum of three events.

This year’s edition marks the debut of the Ladies Doubles category, further broadening the scope of the tournament and promoting gender diversity in sports. 

Speaking about the tournament, organiser Vikram Verlekar said, “Baale BPS Open has become one of Goa’s premier tennis tournaments, attracting both seasoned players and promising young talent. This year, we’re especially excited to introduce the Wheelchair Tennis Challenger category, which underscores our commitment to inclusivity in sports as well as the debut of the Ladies Doubles category.”

Founder of Baale Resort, Ashwin Chandiok, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We believe in nurturing talent and fostering a sense of community through sports. Baale BPS Open is a platform for Goa’s tennis players to showcase their skills and we are proud to support this initiative for the second year running.”

The Baale BPS Open 2025 promises to be an unmissable event for tennis enthusiasts across the state. Interested participants can register online at https://www.bpsgoaopen.com/register. For additional assistance, aspiring participants may contact Suresh at 9765259896 or Deepak at 8076048408.