Tag: Goa sports

Sports

Yog Seva Mangal Pratishthan Excels at Yogasana State Championship – Wins 13 Medals for Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

The Yogasana State Championship 2025, organized by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, witnessed an inspiring display of talent, discipline, and teamwork from Yog Seva Mangal Pratishthan, as their athletes secured a total of 13 medals — 4 Gold, 7 Silver, and 2 Bronze — across multiple Yogasana events. The championship was held on 29th October 2025 at the Campal Indoor Stadium, Goa, and brought together some of the state’s finest young yogis.

Under the expert guidance of Mr. Vishal Gawas, Yoga Trainer at Yog Seva Mangal Pratishthan, the team achieved remarkable success in various Yogasana categories, including Group Yogasana, Rhythmic Yogasana, and Artistic Yogasana. His scientific approach to training, emphasis on discipline, and motivation helped the students deliver top performances.

Among the standout performers was Arif Khan, who won two Gold medals in Artistic and Individual Yogasana, and Yash Shirodkar, who claimed a Gold, a Silver, and a Bronze medal across different events. Sharada Bandekar secured a Gold medal in Rhythmic Yogasana, while Ganesh Ramadurg earned two Silver and one Bronze medal. Other medal winners included Khushi Pal, Shaunak Barazankar, Tanmay, and Aarya, each contributing to the team’s outstanding tally.

The athletes’ success not only reflects their own hard work but also highlights the strong foundation of yoga education and mentorship provided by Yog Seva Mangal Pratishthan. The institution continues to play a vital role in nurturing young talent and promoting Yogasana as a sport that strengthens both body and mind.

President Shri Balkrishna Naik, along with other Executive Committee members of Yog Seva Mangal Pratishthan, congratulated the students and expressed immense pride in their achievements. They commended the dedication of the young athletes and the tireless efforts of Mr. Vishal Gawas in uplifting the standard of yoga in Goa.

This stellar performance stands as a testament to what can be achieved through perseverance, guidance, and passion — and marks yet another milestone for Yog Seva Mangal Pratishthan in its mission to promote Yogasana excellence across the state.

Sports

Bengaluru FC Crowned Champions at the 4th Vedanta Youth Cup 2025-26

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa, October 30th 2025 — The 4th Vedanta Youth Cup, hosted by Sesa Football Academy, came to a thrilling conclusion with Bengaluru FC edging out AIFF FIFA Talent Academy by a solitary goal to be crowned Champions. The grand finale offered an exhilarating display of young football talent, with both teams exhibiting remarkable skill, determination, and tactical discipline despite challenging wet conditions caused by heavy rains.

The encounter turned out to be a mid-field battle characterized by possession play and swift counterattacks. Both teams demonstrated resilience and technical prowess throughout the match, but the deadlock was finally broken in the 89th minute. Bengaluru FC’s Hrishikesh Charan Nanarathi converted a set-piece corner with a stunning half-volley, delivering the decisive goal that crowned his side champions.

The victorious Bengaluru FC team received the winner’s trophy along with a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, presented by Dronacharya Awardee and veteran coach Mr. Armando Colaco. The runner-up, AIFF FIFA Talent Academy, was awarded ₹70,000, presented by Mr. Laxman Hadfadkar, Executive Member of the Goa Football Association.

The final witnessed the presence of distinguished guests from the football fraternity including Mr. Mohd Faizal Md. So’od, AFC Beach Soccer Instructor and India Beach Soccer Head Coach, Mrs. Daliwza Deena Binti Salihin, Executive Member of the Women’s Football Association in Malaysia, and Mr. Vivek Nagul, Head of Coach Development at the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Individual brilliance was also recognized, with Hrishikesh Charan Manarathi from Bengaluru FC named both ‘Player of the Tournament’ and ‘Player of the Match’. Leivon Thangalur Kom from Muthoot FA earned the ‘Most Promising Player’ award, while Dhannya Harshit Desai of Bengaluru FC was adjudged ‘Best Goalkeeper’. Prathyush Dev from Muthoot FA received the ‘Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament’ title, and Jinesh Thoudam from the AIFF FIFA Talent Academy was named ‘Best Defender’. The ‘Fair Play’ award went to Cortalim Villagers.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Armando Colaco commended the initiative, stating that the Vedanta Youth Cup serves as a vital platform for identifying and nurturing young football talent in India. He emphasized that the competition’s professionalism and quality reflect the growing depth of football in the country and play a key role in shaping future stars.

Mr. Vivek Nagul of AIFF echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of structured tournaments in developing grassroots and youth football. He praised Vedanta Sesa Goa and Sesa Football Academy for their continued efforts to foster football development and provide competitive opportunities for young players.

The Vedanta Youth Cup continues to be an elite-level platform that showcases the depth of India’s footballing potential, while underscoring Sesa Football Academy’s growing reputation for organizing top-tier tournaments and creating opportunities for emerging football talent across the nation.

Sports

Sesa Football Academy’s Aaroshi Govekar Poised for National Team Debut Against Nepal

allycaralgoa

In a proud moment for Goa and Sesa Football Academy (SFA), talented defender Aaroshi Ramdas Govekar has been called up to the Indian Senior Women’s Football Team for the one-off friendly against Nepal, to be held on October 29, 2025, at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok, Sikkim.

This match, India’s first-ever international fixture in Sikkim, is part of the celebrations marking 50 years of Sikkim’s statehood. The event not only highlights the growing prominence of women’s football in India but also showcases the increasing representation of Goan players on the national stage.

Aaroshi, hailing from Nerul, Goa, has been a standout performer since joining Sesa Football Academy in 2018. Her consistent defensive displays in the Vedanta Women’s League earned her the ‘Best Defender’ award in the 2024–25 season, while she also helped the SFA Women’s Team lift the Championship title. She represented Goa at the Senior Nationals in 2024 and 2025, proving her mettle at the highest state level.

Her football journey began humbly—playing with village boys out of curiosity and determination—before progressing to represent clubs like Bengaluru FC, Calangute Association, and Puneri Warriors FC. Her growth reflects years of discipline, training, and an unwavering love for the game.

Speaking on her selection, Aaroshi said, “It’s a dream come true to wear the Indian jersey. This moment is not just a personal achievement but the result of years of dedication, passion, and hard work. I’m deeply grateful to Sesa Football Academy, my teammates, and my family for their support. I’ll give more than my best to make the country and Goa proud.”

She also expressed gratitude to the SFA coaching staff, crediting them for shaping her tactical awareness and physical development.

Mr. Gavin Araujo, Technical Director at Sesa Football Academy, shared, “We are extremely proud of Aaroshi’s selection to the National Camp, which embodies the values Sesa Football Academy stands for — perseverance, discipline, and excellence. With more Goan women now making it to the national level, the future of women’s football in the State looks promising.”

Aaroshi’s selection follows that of another SFA star, Pearl Fernandes, who recently represented India at the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship in Bhutan, helping the team clinch the title and qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2026.

From local fields in Goa to the international stage, Aaroshi’s journey is a reflection of Goa’s growing impact on Indian women’s football — and a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes across the state.

#Allycaral – Connecting Global 🌍
Stay tuned for more updates on Goan sports and national achievements at www.allycaral.com

Sports

Goa’s Arya Garudi to Represent the State at Taekwondo Nationals in Punjab

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s young Taekwondo athlete Arya Garudi has qualified to represent the state at the upcoming National Taekwondo Championship in Punjab, where she will compete in the Open Weight Category. Her selection comes as a result of consistent performance, hard training, and remarkable focus in regional-level competitions. Arya’s journey is a reflection of Goa’s emerging strength in martial arts, a discipline that continues to gain popularity among youth athletes in the state.

Officials from Goa’s sports fraternity have lauded Arya’s commitment and skill, highlighting her as one of the promising faces of Goan sports. Competing in the Open Weight Category, Arya will be up against some of the best martial artists from across India, bringing valuable national exposure and experience to her sporting career.

Taekwondo has seen a steady rise in participation in Goa, and athletes like Arya Garudi are leading that momentum, showcasing the potential of local talent on the national stage. Her qualification reinforces Goa’s efforts in building a strong base for martial arts through training programs and athlete support. As the Nationals approach, Arya’s presence at the championship stands as a proud moment for Goa, marking another chapter in the state’s growing success in Indian sports.

Sports

Goa Sub-Junior Football Team Departs for National Tournament in Amritsar

allycaralgoa

Amritsar, Punjab: Goa’s 20-member Sub-Junior Football team has set off for Amritsar to participate in the national football tournament, marking a significant opportunity for young players to showcase their talent on a national stage.

The team departed Mopa Airport at 2:55 am on October 25, accompanied by Head Coach Ramesh, Assistant Coach Eddie Phisio Suraj, and Manager Cosme Oliveira. Before boarding, the players, coaching staff, and their families attended a Mass at St. Joaquim Chapel in Borda, celebrated by Fr. Dylan D’Costa, Chaplain of Borda, invoking blessings for their journey and success in the tournament.

Goa’s first match is scheduled against Haryana on October 28, followed by matches on October 30 and November 1 against other teams in the group stage, including Kerala and Punjab. The tournament promises competitive fixtures and offers a platform for Goa’s budding footballers to gain national exposure and experience high-level competition.

This journey not only highlights Goa’s dedication to youth sports development but also demonstrates the support system of families, coaches, and local communities in nurturing future sports talent. Fans and sports enthusiasts from Goa are eagerly awaiting updates as the team aims to make a mark at the national level.