Tag: GoaSports

Sports

Blind Goa Cricket Makes History, Finishes 9th at 8th Nagesh Trophy National Tournament

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

A new and inspiring chapter was written in Goa’s sporting history as the Goa Blind Cricket Team secured a place among the top 10 teams in the country at the 8th Nagesh Trophy National Blind Cricket Tournament. Finishing 9th among teams representing over 28 states, the achievement highlighted not only cricketing skill but also extraordinary resilience and self-belief.

The Nagesh Trophy is regarded as the biggest platform for blind cricket in India, and Goa’s journey through the tournament stood out for its consistency and tactical brilliance. The team dominated Group E, registering four emphatic victories. Goa began its campaign with a commanding win over Manipur, bowling them out for 111 and winning by 169 runs, with Nilesh Mirgal named Man of the Match. In the second encounter, Goa posted 233 runs against Railways, with Mirgal scoring a century and helping restrict the opposition to 132. The third match saw Goa defeat Vidarbha after scoring 157 and restricting them to 112, with captain Aftab Patel earning the Man of the Match award. Goa concluded the group stage by defeating Jammu & Kashmir, scoring 170 runs, with Mirgal once again delivering an all-round performance of 87 runs and key wickets.

The team’s success was powered by strong contributions across categories. In the B1 category, captain Aftab Patel led from the front, supported by Kailash Sainath, a key bowler, and Akshay Harsh. The B2 category featured impactful performances from Nilesh Mirgal, a consistent match-winner with both bat and ball, and Chander Dinesh, known for his bowling, fielding and dependable batting. In the B3 category, Jignesh emerged as an important all-rounder, while Arvind and Nilesh N contributed steadily. Young wicketkeeper-batsman Vibhishan impressed on debut, earning his place directly in the Goa national team with his sharp keeping and batting skills.

Behind the scenes, the guidance of Treasurer and Head Coach Yashwant Nageshkar played a crucial role. His confidence in the players and constant encouragement helped shape the team’s mindset and performance. Coach Omkar and Manager Prathamesh also played key roles in ensuring preparation and team cohesion.

Captain Aftab Patel’s leadership stood out throughout the tournament. One of the youngest captains in Indian blind cricket, he took charge at a time of transition after senior players retired and led the team to a historic national ranking. His journey reflects both personal determination and the mentorship he received from the coaching staff.

Blind cricket relies on sound, instinct and trust, and Goa’s team proved that strong intent can overcome physical barriers. With this top-10 finish, the team now looks ahead to future national challenges, with hopes of greater support from the Goa government and sports fraternity. Several players are now aspiring for selection to the Indian National Blind Cricket Team, carrying forward the belief that success is driven not by sight, but by vision.

Sports

Advocates Cricket League Auction Held; Legal Luminaries Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycarl Sports Desk

The seventh season of the Advocates Cricket League (ACL) began on a celebratory note with its player auction held in Porvorim on Saturday. The event brought together members of Goa’s legal fraternity for a day that blended sportsmanship, recognition, and camaraderie.

The occasion also saw senior members of the legal community being honoured for their outstanding contributions to both law and cricket. Aldona MLA and Senior Advocate Carlos Alvares Ferreira presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to Senior Advocates Saresh Lotlikar, Subodh Kantak, Nitin Sardesai, and veteran Advocate Shantaram Naik. Each awardee was felicitated with a memento and a shawl, and their video messages recalling memorable cricketing and professional experiences were screened during the event.

Addressing the gathering, ACL President Adv. Iftikhar Agha lauded the dedication of the organising committee and appreciated the continued enthusiasm of advocate players and franchise owners, noting that their involvement has been key to the league’s success.

The player auction featured spirited bidding, with several advocate-players drawing impressive numbers. Adv. Dattaprasad Shirodkar emerged as the highest-valued player of the auction, purchased for 63 lakh points by Adv. Iftikhar Agha’s team, Lawyer Challengers. For Risers, owned by Adv. Anup Kudchadkar, Adv. Abhishek Dhawaskar became the costliest pick at 43 lakh points. Lotlikar Lions, co-owned by Senior Adv. Saresh Lotlikar, secured Adv. Vaibhav Bandekar for 37 lakh points, making him their top acquisition.

Other teams were equally active in building their rosters. Legal Titans, led by Adv. Kedar Shirgaonkar, picked up Adv. Satyam Ghogale for 57 lakh points, while 18 Juners, owned by Adv. Dattaprasad Lawande and Senior Adv. Yogesh Nadkarni, bought Adv. Viraj Tar for the same amount. The defending champions UB Warriors, managed by Adv. Pankaj Dabolkar and Senior Adv. Coelho Pereira, signed Adv. Raghunath Parab for 45 lakh points. Each franchise completed its 16-member squad by the end of the auction.

Adding to the day’s excitement, the trophy for ACL Season 7 was officially unveiled, symbolising the league’s continued growth and the enthusiasm it brings to Goa’s legal and sporting circles. The Advocates Cricket League continues to serve as a platform where professional excellence meets sporting passion, strengthening bonds within the legal community through the spirit of the game.

Sports

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant Inaugurates FIDE World Cup Goa 2025 at Taleigao

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Goa marked a proud moment in its sporting history as Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the FIDE World Cup Goa 2025 at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Taleigao.

The grand opening ceremony was organized by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Goa, and the Sports Authority of Goa, in collaboration with FIDE (The International Chess Federation) and the All India Chess Federation (AICF).

The event witnessed the presence of several distinguished guests, including Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Sports Minister Shri Ramesh Tawadkar, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS, Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade, MLA Shri Nilesh Cabral, AICF President Shri Nitin Narang, Secretary (Sports) Shri Santosh Sukhadev, IAS, and Director (Sports) Dr. Ajay Gaude, among others.

In a symbolic moment of pride and unity, Chief Minister Dr. Sawant and Union Minister Dr. Mandaviya, along with the dignitaries, unveiled the FIDE World Cup 2025 Trophy, marking the official commencement of the tournament.

The FIDE World Cup Goa 2025 brings together some of the world’s finest chess grandmasters and rising talents, shining a global spotlight on Goa as a premier destination for international sporting events.

The tournament will run until November 27, 2025, with participants from across the world competing for top honors in the prestigious championship.

This event reinforces Goa’s growing reputation as a dynamic hub for international sports and youth development, blending tradition, intellect, and excellence.

Sports

Aryan Narvekar to Lead Goa U-23 Men’s Team for Col CK Nayudu Trophy 2025–26

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Goa | October 2025: The Goa Cricket Association (GCA) has officially announced the Goa U-23 Men’s Team for the Col CK Nayudu Trophy 2025–26, to be played in Jharkhand from October 16 to 19, 2025.

Promising young cricketer Aryan Narvekar has been appointed as the captain, leading a strong 16-member squad that represents Goa’s emerging cricketing talent.

The team includes:

  1. Lakmesh Pawne
  2. Shivendra Bhujbal
  3. Rudresh Sharma
  4. Ayush Verlekar
  5. Aryan Narvekar (Captain)
  6. Chittem Devankumar
  7. Vinayak Kunte
  8. Kaustub Pingulkar
  9. Deep Kasvankar
  10. Pundalik Naik
  11. Chittem Jeevanakumar
  12. Aman Dhooper
  13. Bansil J. Pandya
  14. Veer Yadav
  15. Anuj Yadav
  16. Nityay Shenvi Kunkolinkar

The announcement ceremony was attended by GCA President Shri Mahesh Dessai, Secretary Shri Tulshidas Shetye, Director of Coaching and Cricket Operations Prakash Mayenkar, Head Coach Jai Prakash Yadav, and Assistant Coach Avadoot Amonkar.

Speaking on the occasion, GCA President Mahesh Dessai expressed confidence in the young squad, highlighting their dedication and performance during the selection phase. “This team reflects the depth of talent emerging from Goa’s cricketing ecosystem,” he said.

The Col CK Nayudu Trophy serves as a key platform for India’s U-23 cricketers to showcase their skills and transition into the senior competitive circuit. With a focus on discipline, teamwork, and tactical awareness, the Goa team aims to make a mark in this prestigious domestic tournament.

As Team Goa heads to Jharkhand, cricket enthusiasts across the state extend their best wishes for a successful campaign that brings glory to Goan cricket.

Sports

MLA Capt. Venzy Hosts HMS Royal Navy Rugby Team for Exhibition Match in Utorda

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In a dynamic celebration of sports and international camaraderie, MLA Capt. Venzy Viegas hosted the HMS Royal Navy Rugby Team for an exciting exhibition match with the CROCS Rugby Team, Colva, at the Utorda SAG Ground.

The event brought together players, sports enthusiasts, and dignitaries, marking a memorable day for Goa’s sporting community. The spirited encounter showcased the talent and teamwork of both sides, uniting players from different backgrounds through the universal language of sport.

MLA Capt. Venzy Viegas expressed his delight at the collaboration, emphasizing that such events build not only athletic skill but also mutual respect and cultural exchange. “Sport is a bridge that connects nations and communities. It’s wonderful to see global teams sharing the same field with local Goan talent,” he remarked.

Also present at the event was Ex-Betalbatim Panch Santu, who lauded the effort and extended his support to initiatives promoting international sports exposure in Goa.

The exhibition match concluded with warm interactions between the players, symbolizing unity, teamwork, and the spirit of fair play. The event added another milestone to Goa’s growing sports landscape, showcasing that when it comes to passion and respect, the game truly transcends boundaries.