Panaji: Arjun Parshuram Kadam of Goa has brought pride to the state by successfully clearing the National Diploma in Officiating (NDIO) Examination conducted by the Judo Federation of India (JFI) from January 21 to 26, 2026, in Kolkata.
With this achievement, Kadam has secured JFI–A status, officially qualifying as a National Level Judo Referee. The NDIO examination is regarded as one of the most rigorous officiating certifications in the sport, assessing candidates on their understanding of judo rules, technical application, and on-mat decision-making under competitive conditions.
Expressing his happiness, Kadam credited his success to Mir Dias, Judo Coach at the Sports Authority of Goa, acknowledging his continuous guidance, technical support, and motivation throughout his journey in judo and officiating.
The achievement marks a significant milestone for the Goan sports fraternity and is expected to further strengthen the state’s representation in national-level judo competitions. Members of the judo community and sports officials have congratulated Kadam on his notable accomplishment.
In an unforgettable finale held under the Cuncolim floodlights, FC Siolim emerged as the first-ever champions of the All Goa Mansion House Football Cup 2025 after edging out Curtorim Gymkhana 6-3 in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. The match, played at the Government School Playground, ended 2-2 in regulation time before Siolim sealed the deal in the tiebreaker, writing their names into Goan football folklore.
The high-stakes contest began with Curtorim Gymkhana drawing first blood in the 12th minute, courtesy of a clinical finish by their talisman, Anslem Fernandes. But Siolim were quick to respond. Gaurav Vaigankar restored parity in the 25th minute with a thumping strike that energized the crowd and shifted momentum.
The first half saw near misses from both sides, but it was in the second half where the drama truly unfolded. Just minutes after the restart, Pushparaj Mandrekar gave Siolim the lead in the 45th minute with a sharp finish. However, the resilient Curtorim side came back once again through none other than Anslem Fernandes, who scored his second of the night in the 60th minute to make it 2-2.
With no breakthrough in the dying minutes, the match went to penalties, where Siolim held their nerve. Mayuresh Naik, Gaurav Vaigankar, Pushparaj Mandrekar, and Lavnay Shirodkar all confidently converted their spot-kicks. In contrast, Curtorim Gymkhana faltered under pressure, managing to score only once through Savio Peixoto.
The shootout triumph earned Siolim a winners’ purse of Rs 60,000 and the distinction of becoming the inaugural champions of the Mansion House Football Cup. Curtorim Gymkhana took home Rs 40,000 and the runners-up trophy.
Individual brilliance throughout the tournament was recognized with special honours. Mayuresh Naik of FC Siolim was awarded Best Player, Pushparaj Mandrekar received Best Striker, Videsh Sawant took Best Midfielder, while Curtorim’s Johnson Bhagat and James Fernandes won Best Goalkeeper and Best Defender, respectively.
The grand prize distribution ceremony featured prominent dignitaries including Sports Minister Dr Ramesh Tawadkar, Cuncolim MLA and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, Tilaknagar Industries State Head Vineet Kumar Bothra, Landry Mascarenhas, Fr Eremito Coutinho, Artemio Da Silva, Lavita Mascarenhas, Siddesh Kurade, Sailesh Vaidya, Angela Dias, and Melvin Costa. The event was compered by Vijay Kumar Kopre Dessai.
The historic evening closed with joyous scenes as Siolim’s players lifted the trophy to thunderous cheers from their traveling supporters. A celebration not just of victory, but of the growing vibrancy of grassroots football in Goa.
Navelim, Goa: At just 8 years old, Amaira Dhumatker, a young badminton prodigy from Goa, has taken the sporting world by storm with her stunning performance at the Younex Sunrise All India Sub Junior Under 13 Ranking Badminton Tournament held in Navelim, Goa. In an exciting and thrilling match, Amaira clinched a victory over Telangana’s rising star, Sreshta Nirvana Kalva, with impressive scores of 15-7, 15-12.
In an event that brought together some of the brightest young badminton talents from across India, Amaira stood out with her calm demeanor, sharp focus, and exceptional skill on the court. Despite her young age, Amaira displayed the maturity of a seasoned player, demonstrating not only technical finesse but also the mental toughness needed to perform at a high level in competitive sports.
In her match against Sreshta Nirvana Kalva, Amaira came out strong in the first game, quickly establishing control with a 15-7 scoreline. The second game was no less intense, with Sreshta showing resilience, but Amaira’s speed and precision sealed her victory at 15-12, allowing her to storm into the next round with ease.
Amaira’s Journey in Badminton
Hailing from Goa, Amaira has been playing badminton since the age of 5. Despite being relatively young, her consistent training and dedication have already started to bear fruit. She trains under the guidance of well-established coaches in Goa and is known for her agility, technique, and sportsmanship on and off the court.
In an interview, Amaira expressed her excitement and joy after winning her match: “I am so happy to have won this match. Badminton is my favorite sport, and I enjoy playing every match, learning new things, and improving my skills. I am grateful to my coaches and family for supporting me throughout my journey.”
The Rising Badminton Talent of Goa
Amaira’s victory at the Younex Sunrise All India Tournament has caught the attention of both national and local sports enthusiasts. Her performance adds to the growing list of talented young athletes emerging from Goa, and Amaira’s success is a testament to the importance of grassroots development and support for sports in the state.
In recent years, Goa has seen a surge in young athletes excelling in various sports, and badminton has emerged as one of the leading disciplines. The state’s investment in sports infrastructure and the nurturing of young talent is paving the way for future sporting icons. Amaira’s performance, in particular, has ignited hope that Goa will continue to produce exceptional badminton players in the coming years.
Future Prospects
With such a promising start to her career, Amaira is expected to make significant strides in the badminton circuit in the years to come. Her current victory at the Younex Sunrise All India Sub Junior Tournament is just the beginning of what promises to be a bright and successful career.
As the tournament continues, Amaira’s supporters—family, friends, and fans—are eagerly watching her progress, hoping she can carry forward this momentum into the later rounds and make her mark on the national badminton stage. Given her skill set and determination, it’s safe to say that this young Goan prodigy has a long and promising road ahead of her in the world of badminton.
Acknowledging the Coaches and Supporters
Amaira’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the continuous support of her coaches, family, and training partners. Her coach praised her resilience, saying, “Amaira is a disciplined and hardworking player. She has an incredible work ethic for someone her age, and I have no doubt that she will continue to excel.”
About the Younex Sunrise All India Sub Junior Under 13 Ranking Tournament
The Younex Sunrise All India Sub Junior Under 13 Ranking Tournament 2025 is one of the most anticipated badminton events for young athletes across the country. It provides a platform for budding players to showcase their skills and gain ranking points to progress in their careers. Held annually in Navelim, Goa, this tournament draws talent from all over the country, with the top performers often going on to represent India in international competitions.
