Tag: Goan Diaspora

Sports

Goan Football Cup 2025 Unites Communities in London, Sets New Records

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goan Football Cup 2025 has emerged as a monumental celebration of sport, culture, and community abroad. Held at Cranford Community College in London on August 23, the tournament drew record participation, with 28 men’s teams and three women’s teams — making it the largest Goan football tournament outside Goa.

The second edition of the event reinforced the Goan community’s love for the game while showcasing its inclusive nature. Players from different communities competed side by side, with Goan teams putting up strong performances against sides featuring seasoned English 5-a-side players.

One of the most inspiring stories of the tournament was the participation of Wilred United Goa, led by manager Joe Vas. The team traveled from Goa to London, making a powerful statement about the global reach of Goan football. Their women’s team, which included former India junior international Anline Fernandes, dominated the competition and won the championship without conceding a single goal. Their victory, achieved in their very first appearance together, stands as a proud moment for Goan women’s football and the diaspora.

Southall Athletic WFC put on a strong performance to finish as runners-up in the women’s tournament after an unbeaten group stage. In the men’s category, it was Daily Ballin who emerged victorious, defeating Filthy Starz in a thrilling finale.

But the event was about much more than just the matches. The Goan Football Cup transformed into a festival, with families and fans enjoying authentic Goan food by Pratos De Goa, Feni cocktails by GoaTails, and vibrant live performances from artists Saneev, Rochus, and singer Braga. The atmosphere was electric, merging sport with cultural pride.

The prize distribution ceremony, led by community leaders Xavier Vas, Jules Alberto Dias, Ruksana Braz, and celebrated singer Mark Revlon, honoured team achievements and individual excellence.

With its growing stature, the Goan Football Cup has now firmly established itself as the flagship Goan sporting event outside India. As the community celebrates this success, one thing is clear — this is just the beginning of a powerful legacy that will continue to unite Goans and amplify their passion for football on a global stage.

National

Pride of Goa: Two Women Officers Make History in Indian Armed Forces

Tanisha Cardozo

Wing Commander Maria Ismenia Sancha Pereira, hailing from Gonsua-Betalbatim in South Goa, has etched her name into history as the first Goan woman to be decorated in India’s wartime history. Her distinguished service as an Air Traffic Controller (ATC) in the Indian Air Force during Operation Sindoor earned her the prestigious Mention-in-Despatch, a recognition awarded for exceptional service in actual combat operations.

During the operation, Wg Cdr Pereira played a pivotal role in wartime intelligence. She provided crucial radar-based insights that guided Indian fighter jets to vital enemy targets, significantly contributing to the success of mission objectives. Her early warning inputs also helped thwart threats from adversarial aircraft and missiles directed at Indian forces — actions that saved lives and advanced the IAF’s operational edge.

The daughter of Eustaquio Francisco Pereira and Poma Pereira, Maria’s journey began in Goa’s educational institutions — she studied at Mary Immaculate Conception High School, Panaji, followed by Green Rosary Higher Secondary in Dona Paula. She later earned her engineering degree from Goa Engineering College, Farmagudi, before entering the defence services and rising through the ranks in one of the most demanding branches of the IAF.

Adding to Goa’s legacy in Indian defence history is Major Jacqueline Jacinta Dias, a Goan of the diaspora with roots in Bardez. She recently made headlines as one of the first Indian women officers to be posted as Officer Commanding of the Indian Army Overseas Dental Institution in Bhutan — a highly prestigious foreign assignment awarded to officers of exceptional merit. Major Dias is the daughter of Group Captain Joe Peter Matthew Dias and Anne Elizabeth Dias, both originally from Mapusa.

Together, Wing Commander Pereira and Major Dias represent the growing strength and recognition of Goan women in India’s defence services. Their achievements not only mark milestones in the armed forces but also inspire a new generation of young Goans — especially women — to pursue service, excellence, and leadership on a national and global scale.

These are not just individual milestones; they are moments of collective pride for Goa and for India.

International

Leicester Hosts First-Ever Inclusive Ekvottachem Fest Celebrating Goan Culture, Unity & Community

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

On Saturday, 23rd August 2025, Leicester will become the stage for a historic cultural milestone — the first-ever Ekvottachem Fest, an inclusive celebration of Goan culture, heritage, and togetherness. This unique grassroots festival will be held at St John Bosco Hall from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and best of all, it’s free and open to all.

✨ Curated by Festakar Marius Fernandes

With 101 festivals already under his belt, community-builder Marius Fernandes (affectionately called “Festakar”) brings his festival-making magic to Leicester for the very first time. His mission is simple but powerful: use festivals as tools for inclusion, joy, and connection.

“This is not just a festival,” says Marius. “It’s a gathering of hearts — no barriers, no tickets, no exclusion.”

🎭 What’s Happening at Ekvottachem Fest?

  • Kottieacho Nach: A traditional Goan coconut dance choreographed by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas
  • Ghumtacho Avaz: A musical journey with the ancient Goan percussion instrument, the ghumot
  • Karyshala: Interactive workshops and creative spaces for all ages
  • Festakarachi Pasoi: An exhibit tracing Marius’s 100+ festivals
  • Balcaoacho Gozalli: Balcony-style chats reflecting on memory, identity, and belonging
  • Goenchem Jevonn: A delicious Goan food experience
  • Goan-Inspired Fashion Show: Celebrating traditional and modern Goan designs

🎶 Leicester Sunshine Band – Debut Performance

A highlight of the evening will be the launch of the Leicester Sunshine Band – a multicultural music ensemble formed specially for the festival. Their music will symbolize harmony, creativity, and community.

🕊️ Why It Matters

The Ekvottachem Fest is not just about culture — it’s about inclusion, heritage, identity, and joy. In a world where people often feel divided, this festival invites everyone — Goan or not — to come together, share stories, and dance in celebration of diversity.

📌 Event Details

📍 Venue: St John Bosco Hall, Leicester
📅 Date: Saturday, 23rd August 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎟️ Entry: Absolutely FREE | All are warmly welcome – the Festakar way!

International

Goans Come Alive at First-Ever Swindon Carnival

allycaralgoa

Swindon July 5, 2025 – By Allycaral

A vibrant explosion of colour, culture, and rhythm took over Swindon’s Polo Ground as the town hosted the inaugural Swindon Carnival 2025, an event now marked as a new milestone in the cultural calendar of the UK Goan diaspora.

Organised by UK Visionary Events, the day celebrated unity in diversity — blending Goan traditions with global influences. The event kicked off with a carnival parade led by children in festive costumes and the grand Carnival King & Queen, with the Deputy Mayor of Swindon, Councillor Neil Hopkins, lending his support.

Goan Soul, Global Beat
The stage came alive with iconic Konkani performances, with Mark Revlon’s soulful “Efernant Suate Na” and Princeston Colaco’s hit “Destiny” drawing roaring applause. Audiences also swayed to the stylings of Rainbow’s End, powered by Gladrin’s vocals.

As dusk set in, DJ Frankey, Kessh, Xavier, and Kim kept the crowd energised into the night, while rappers Lil Ferns & Eric Goan added an urban flair with fiery verses.

Flavours & Festivities
Food was a highlight — with stalls offering traditional Goan fare and global delights, while fairground rides, interactive booths, T-shirt design, face painting, and NHS stalls added depth and accessibility to the event.

Seamless & Safe
Organised by a 16-member team led by Lewin and Melroy, the event was a model of meticulous planning and execution. With Beast Security ensuring safety and NHS booths promoting health awareness, the event balanced fun and responsibility perfectly.

A Movement, Not Just a Moment
According to the organisers, this was more than just a one-off celebration. “Swindon Carnival 2025 is the start of a movement,” they said. “It shows what’s possible when communities come together in unity and celebration.”

The Swindon Carnival promises to return even bigger and brighter — growing into a cherished annual tradition that celebrates Goan identity while embracing the world.

International

GOAV Marks 45 Years of Promoting Goemkarponn in Melbourne with Sparkling Sapphire Celebration

allycaralgoa

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – A shining testament to heritage, unity, and resilience, the Goan Overseas Association of Victoria (GOAV) celebrated 45 years of promoting Goemkarponn (Goan identity and culture) in Australia with a magnificent Sapphire Dinner Dance held at the elegant Glen Eira Council Hall Auditorium.

The event not only commemorated a significant milestone in GOAV’s journey but also served as a vibrant reunion of generations of Goans living in Victoria, united in their love for their roots.

As guests arrived between 5:30 and 6:00 PM, they were warmly welcomed with a traditional glass of sherry, setting the tone for an evening steeped in warmth, nostalgia, and celebration. The sapphire-blue theme radiated throughout the auditorium—from decor to attire—creating a refined and visually cohesive experience.

The energy soared as ‘Colors’, a well-known 7-piece live band, took the stage and electrified the room with their vibrant music. The dance floor remained packed until past 11 PM, with spontaneous encores and a crowd-favorite saxophonist joining guests for an unforgettable moment of dance-floor revelry.

Guests indulged in a beautifully curated menu, beginning with entrée platters featuring crispy calamari and other favourites, followed by a lavish buffet dinner expertly catered by Silver Platter. The cuisine reflected both refinement and comfort, complementing the evening’s upscale yet community-rooted tone.

A sparkling blue photo corner allowed attendees to snap keepsake photos with friends and family. The night was further enlivened with raffle and door prizes, ranging from gourmet food hampers and fine wines and spirits to the coveted grand prize—a brand-new air fryer.

In her heartfelt address, GOAV President Annabel Henriques reflected on the community’s journey:

“We are proud to have brought the community together for such a memorable night. As we celebrate 45 years, we also celebrate the blessings symbolised by the sapphire—beauty, wealth, and divine favour.”

She extended her gratitude to the Glen Eira Council, all event sponsors, attendees, and especially the GOAV committee and their partners, whose dedication ensured the evening’s success.

What began in 1979 as a community initiative has grown into a cultural institution for Goans in Victoria. This 45th anniversary event was more than a celebration—it was a reaffirmation of GOAV’s mission: to preserve Goan traditions, support cultural expression, and foster a strong sense of belonging among Goans in the diaspora.

With this milestone, GOAV not only honours its rich past but confidently looks toward a future of continued cultural enrichment, youth engagement, and communal solidarity.

The Goan Overseas Association of Victoria is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected Goan cultural organisations. For over four decades, it has hosted social, cultural, and charitable events that celebrate Goan heritage and foster connections within the broader Indian and multicultural Australian communities.