Tag: Goan Talent

Sports

Goa’s Archi Katkar Wins Silver in Triathlon at National Junior Athletics Championships 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s rising athletic star Archi Prithviraj Katkar has brought home a proud moment for the state by winning the Silver Medal in the Triathlon (Group A) category at the 40th National Junior Athletics Championships 2025, held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Competing in the Under-14 category, Archi represented RCC Fatorda and trained under the expert mentorship of coach Patrick Soares. Her performance was marked by determination, discipline, and athletic prowess, earning her a total of 2306 points — a feat that placed her second on the national podium.

A student of Vidya Vikas Academy, Margao, Archi was part of a 13-member Goan contingent that competed across various age groups at the national championship. Her achievement not only brings individual recognition but also highlights the growing success of grassroots sports training and development in Goa.

This Silver Medal reflects the growing presence of Goan athletes at the national level, and Archi’s success serves as a motivation for aspiring young athletes across the state. Her journey from local tracks to a national stage is a testament to consistent hard work, community support, and focused coaching.

As Goa continues to invest in youth sports infrastructure and mentorship, stories like Archi’s reinforce the state’s potential to shine on the national and international stage. With continued dedication and encouragement, Archi Katkar is certainly a name to watch in Indian athletics.

Events in Goa

Nirbhay Bhav Academy Wins Goa’s Biggest Garbha Dandiya Competition, Heads to Nationals

Tanisha Cardozo

In a spectacular celebration of Goan talent and cultural vibrance, Nirbhay Bhav Academy of Performing Arts, Porvorim has emerged as the winner of Goa’s biggest Garbha Dandiya competition, held at Bazarpeth, Pedne. Organised by the Sarvajanik Durga Utsav Samiti and proudly sponsored by Hon’ble MLA Shri Pravin Arlekar of Pernem Constituency, the event brought together some of the most energetic and colourful dance troupes from across the state.

The victorious team took home a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and a prestigious trophy, recognizing their exceptional performance and dedication to preserving and promoting cultural heritage through dance. The prize was presented in a grand ceremony by Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavde, Member of Rajya Sabha, along with Shri Pravin Arlekar, who has been instrumental in supporting such cultural platforms that bring communities together and showcase Goan talent on a grand scale.

This win is more than just a title. Nirbhay Bhav Academy will now carry the honour of representing Goa at the National Level Dance Championship to be held on October 4th and 5th in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Competing against teams from across the country, they will bring their rhythm, passion, and Goan pride to the national stage.

The academy’s journey from Porvorim to Pedne and now to Gwalior is a testament to the power of community-led initiatives, artistic discipline, and cultural commitment. Their victory not only inspires other performers but also strengthens the visibility of Goan performing arts at the national level.

As they prepare to compete at the upcoming national event, the people of Goa rally behind them with immense pride and encouragement, celebrating a team that has successfully blended tradition, energy, and excellence into a winning performance.

Films

M/s Vinayak Decorators Honoured with “Special Creative Art Director Award” at Goa State Film Festival 2025

allycaralgoa

PANAJI: Goa’s renowned décor and event management company, M/s Vinayak Decorators, has been honored with the “Special Creative Art Director Award” at the 10th, 11th, and 12th editions of the Goa State Film Festival 2025.

The award was presented to Smt. Nutan Vinayak Dessai by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, at the festival’s award ceremony.

Led by Sidhesh Dessai, the company has emerged as a creative powerhouse in Goa, conceptualizing and executing décor and event management for some of the state’s most iconic celebrations. Their portfolio includes prestigious events such as the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and the Purple Festival for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), along with major assignments across states like Maharashtra, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Kolkata, Karnataka, Meghalaya, and Gujarat.

On the national stage, Vinayak Decorators has also brought Goan artistry into the spotlight. Under the leadership of Sidhesh Dessai, an all-Goan team curated Republic Day Parade floats for Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, both of which received widespread appreciation. These floats, highlighting regional heritage with Goan craftsmanship, were also showcased at the Bharat Parv Exhibition at the Red Fort, Delhi, from January 26 to 31, 2025, organized by the Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India.

This recognition at both the state and national level underlines the company’s pivotal role in promoting Goan creativity and talent across India.

Sports

Goan Talent Shines at International Carrom Tournament in the UK

allycaralgoa

The International Carrom Tournament was successfully organised by the Goan Sports Club U.K. in collaboration with the United Kingdom Carrom Federation, drawing over 40 players across two categories — Singles and Doubles. The event featured participants from three different nationalities and showcased some of the finest talent in the UK’s carrom scene.

Among the participants were seven Goans who represented with pride and passion:
John D’Cunha (Taleigao), Rose Rebello (Maina Curtorim), Elroy Carvalho (Agassaim), Pio Pereira (Cortalim), Khader Xec (Chinchinim), Sazbert Coutinho (Cansaulim), and Infancio Miranda (Ribandar).

In the Doubles category, Rose Rebello and Khader Xec put on a strong performance but were narrowly edged out in the group stage by fellow Goan John D’Cunha and his partner Natwarsingh, who advanced to the finals.
The final match saw John and Natwarsingh face the UK’s top duo, Sufiyan Chicktey and Ish Kumar. After a closely contested game, John and Natwarsingh finished as runners-up.

In the Singles final, Sufiyan Chicktey continued his dominant form, defeating Prashant Pangare to claim the Singles Champion title.

The tournament was held at The Social Sports Bar, Hounslow Market Place, and concluded with a prize distribution ceremony. Awards were presented by Sanrose D’Costa and Joshua Vas of the Goan Sports Club U.K