Tag: Goa sports

Sports

Goa Pushes Major Overhaul in Women’s Cricket, Eyes New Stadium in Three Years

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Women’s cricket in Goa is set to enter a transformative phase as the Goa Cricket Association announces several key decisions aimed at rebuilding and strengthening the sport across the state. Following the Annual General Body meeting in Porvorim, GCA President Mahesh Dessai shared a detailed roadmap outlining the Association’s renewed focus on grassroots development, infrastructure creation, and a more strategic approach to talent nurturing. One of the most significant steps is the launch of five exclusive training centres dedicated entirely to girls. Dessai highlighted how the number of functional centres had previously dropped, but the Association has now revived 20 centres across the Under-16 and Under-14 categories, with the new Pink Centres designed specifically to encourage girls to take up cricket in larger numbers. National-level player Neha Tanwar has been brought on board to mentor and guide the programme, ensuring high-quality support for upcoming talent.

The GCA also stressed the importance of competitive exposure, announcing plans for intra-centre tournaments that will serve as the basis for state-team selection in the junior categories. Alongside the development of women’s cricket, the Association is once again turning its focus to the long-delayed dream of a dedicated cricket stadium for Goa. Dessai reaffirmed the commitment to begin work within the next three years, noting that the government has expressed full support. While Dhargal remains the preferred location due to its proximity to the Mopa airport and accessible infrastructure, alternative suggestions like Mauliguem are also being assessed. Permissions for construction are being renewed, and steps such as the removal of high-tension wires at the site have already been initiated.

In an effort to elevate the overall standard of cricket in the state, the GCA has hired seasoned cricketer Pritam Gandhe to coach the Under-16 team, and has revamped its selection committees by appointing former Ranji players at both senior and junior levels. Dessai emphasized that club support is strong, administrative harmony has improved, and that the Ranji team’s promising performance is partly due to a strict no-interference policy, with coaches given full freedom in their choices. Financial transparency also remains a priority, with expert consultants and ex-cricketers guiding the Association’s decisions. Another major announcement is the return of the Goa Premier League after nearly nine years, signalling the GCA’s intent to create more competitive platforms for local players. With renewed energy, structural changes, and a clear vision, the GCA is driving Goa cricket toward a more stable, inclusive, and ambitious future.

Sports

Rugby Promoter Brandon Crasto Urges Goans to Experience the Thrill of Goa 7s, Says Rugby Is Rising Like MMA

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Rugby has been steadily gaining momentum in Goa, and the energy surrounding this year’s Goa 7s tournament shows just how far the sport has come. Brandon Crasto, Founder of Goa 7s and President of the Crocotryles Rugby Foundation, is calling on Goans to experience the thrill for themselves by attending at least one match. Drawing parallels to the meteoric rise of MMA, Crasto emphasized that rugby offers the same intensity, adrenaline and spectacle that modern audiences crave. Rugby 7s, he explained, is particularly captivating — a supersonic format marked by speed, open play and nonstop action. The Olympic format of the sport, it offers newcomers an unforgettable first impression and has been Goa’s primary competitive format at the national level since 2014–2015.

Tournament Director Kartik Menda echoed Crasto’s sentiments, describing rugby as one of the most dynamic sports to watch. With just seven players per team on a large field, the pace of the game increases dramatically, allowing for explosive sprints, sweeping runs and constant movement across the pitch. For those who have never watched the sport live, he said, just one match is enough to get hooked. The appeal of rugby lies not only in its intensity but in its vibrant atmosphere — the sound of the crowd, the speed of play and the raw athleticism on display.

Brandon Crasto also shared his personal journey, expressing his dream of making rugby a mainstream sport in Goa. Having represented Goa as a national player for eight years, he credits the sport with shaping his character and identity. Rugby, he said, instilled in him values, discipline and a global perspective that helped him grow mentally and physically. Promoting the sport is his way of giving back to both the community and the game that has driven his personal growth. His efforts are now being supported by Rugby India, further strengthening the ecosystem.

Ryan Gaulstan of Rugby India, who is also serving as the Match Commissioner for Goa 7s, highlighted the organization’s commitment to building rugby’s foundation in the state. He is in Goa to conduct World Rugby-certified courses in areas including medical support and match officiating. These programs aim to equip Goa with a trained workforce of officials, medics and coaches — essential components for developing the sport sustainably at the grassroots and competitive levels.

As the Goa 7s tournament continues, the growing enthusiasm around the sport signals a promising future for rugby in the state. With passionate promoters, strong institutional backing and rising public interest, rugby in Goa is gearing up for its next big leap.

Sports

DBO Panjim & Sonics Crowned Champions at Third Sonics All-Goa U17 Basketball League

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The Third Sonics All-Goa Under-17 Basketball League concluded in style at Youth Hostel, Miramar, as Don Bosco Oratory Panjim and Sonics emerged as the Boys’ and Girls’ Champions respectively. The finals delivered a perfect blend of athleticism, teamwork, and sportsmanship, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of supporters and showcasing the best of Goa’s rising basketball talent.

In the boys’ championship clash, Don Bosco Oratory Panjim displayed superior composure and coordination to outplay Don Bosco Fatorda 50–42 in a thrilling contest. Leading from the front, Avner Mendonca’s brilliant 25-point performance earned him the Finals MVP title, cementing his place as one of Goa’s most exciting young players. Don Bosco Fatorda’s David Xavier put up a valiant fight, scoring 13 points and keeping the game competitive until the final minutes.

The girls’ final saw Sonics deliver a disciplined and strategic display of basketball, overcoming Don Bosco Fatorda 28–18 to secure the championship. The standout performer was Kim DSouza, whose 12 points and leadership on both ends of the court earned her the Girls’ Division MVP award.

Loyola captured third place in the boys’ division with a narrow 27–22 win over Sonics, with Richie of Loyola making a strong impression throughout the tournament. Other notable young stars included Sean Fernandes of Don Bosco Fatorda and Daniel Rodrigues of Sonics, who drew plenty of cheers for their skillful all-round performances.

Despite minor scheduling adjustments due to unexpected rains, the league maintained high energy and enthusiasm across its 35 matches. Organized by Sonics Basketball Club under the aegis of the Goa Basketball Association, the event once again highlighted the growing strength of Goa’s youth basketball community. The successful completion of the Third Sonics All-Goa U17 League was celebrated with medals, cheers, and memories that promise an even brighter future for the sport in the state.

Sports

Selection Trials Announced for Table Tennis U-19 Boys Ahead of 69th National School Games

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs (DSYA), Government of Goa, has announced that selection trials for the state’s Under-19 Boys Table Tennis team will be held on November 12, 2025, at the Indoor Stadium, Campal, Panaji. The selected players will go on to represent Goa at the upcoming 69th National School Games.

As per the DSYA notification, all participants must be under 19 years of age, meaning they should be born on or after January 1, 2007. To ensure compliance with eligibility requirements, each player is required to submit an Age Verification Test (AVT) certificate issued by a certified doctor, along with the official eligibility forms during registration.

The Directorate continues its commitment to identifying and nurturing young sports talent across the state through structured trials and training opportunities. These trials provide an essential platform for student athletes to demonstrate their skills, gain exposure, and compete at a national level.

The 69th National School Games serve as a premier sporting event in India, bringing together the best young athletes from different states to compete across multiple disciplines. Goa’s representation in the Table Tennis category is expected to be highly competitive, with the selection process focusing on both skill and discipline.

The DSYA has encouraged schools, coaches, and local sports associations to ensure eligible players are informed and participate in the trials. The Directorate continues to emphasize the role of school-level sports in fostering discipline, teamwork, and a lifelong engagement with physical fitness and excellence.

Participants and schools seeking further information can contact the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs, Panaji, for detailed instructions regarding documentation and reporting times.

Sports

Asmita Khelo India Tennis Ball Cricket Women League 2025 Set to Inspire Goa’s Young Athletes

Tanisha Cardozo

The Asmita Khelo India Women Tennis Ball Cricket League 2025 is set to bring the excitement of women’s cricket to Goa on 15th November 2025. The event will take place at the Panchayat Ground, Kundaim, Ponda, marking a celebration of women’s strength, teamwork, and passion for the sport.

Organized by the Goa Tennis Ball Cricket Association in collaboration with the Tennis Ball Cricket Federation of India (TBCFI) under the Khelo India Scheme of the Sports Authority of India, this tournament stands as a testament to India’s growing commitment to supporting women athletes at all levels.

The league will feature 12 women’s club teams from across Goa, totaling 168 athletes, each representing the spirit of dedication and sportsmanship. The event aims to inspire young girls to take up sports, fostering a culture of fitness, confidence, and empowerment through cricket.

The matches will begin at 9:00 a.m., with Dr. Gangadariah, Vice President of TBCFI, serving as the official observer. Two umpires deputed by the Federation will oversee the games, ensuring fair play and professional standards throughout the tournament.

Beyond the thrill of competition, the league carries a deeper purpose — to highlight the role of women in Indian sports and encourage more participation at the grassroots level. The winning team will be honored with cash prizes, trophies, and attractive individual awards, recognizing both teamwork and individual excellence.

The Asmita Khelo India Women Tennis Ball Cricket League 2025 promises to be more than a tournament—it’s a celebration of women’s resilience, community spirit, and the future of Indian cricket.