Tag: GSB Unity Cup

Sports

Tridents & Strikers Dominate in GSB Unity Cup Thriller

Tanisha Cardozo

Margao witnessed an action-packed day of cricket as the GSB Unity Cup 3.0 delivered thrilling encounters at the MCC Ground, with K.K. Strikers and Shamrao Tridents emerging victorious in their respective matches.

In the morning clash, K.K. Strikers put up an imposing total of 205 for 9 in 20 overs. Opener Viraj Puranik led the charge with a blistering 55 off just 24 balls, laced with boundaries, while Rauji Kakodkar’s unbeaten 44 off 20 balls powered the innings past the 200-run mark. Ramnath Prabhu Bam also chipped in with a valuable 37. For Dempo Challengers, Shridhar Keni stood out with the ball, claiming three wickets.

Chasing a daunting target, Dempo Challengers showed glimpses of resistance through captain Samar Dubhashi (55), Tunish Sawkar (32), and Vibhav Pai (34). However, regular wickets and a lack of support from the lower order saw them fall short at 173. Rasik Pai Khot turned the game with a match-winning spell of 4 for 22, sealing a 32-run victory for the Strikers.

The second match proved to be a tighter contest, with Shamrao Tridents defending a modest total of 150 for 9. Deval Karmali’s impressive 53 and Siddhant Kunde’s steady unbeaten 37 anchored the innings, despite regular wickets. Rising Stars of Ponda bowlers Tanmay Sukhthankar and Shaunit Sawardekar kept things in check with three wickets each.

In response, Rising Stars struggled early but fought back through Ved Mahambre’s 50 and captain Prasheel Kamat’s 34. However, disciplined bowling from the Tridents, led by Kritin Bhangui’s 3 for 18, ensured they were bowled out for 135, handing Tridents a 15-run win.

Rasik Pai Khot was named Desserts N More Player of the Match, while Viraj Puranik received the Kamat Realty Hero of the Match award in the first game. In the second match, Siddhant Kunde and Deval Karmali were recognised for their standout performances.

With strong performances and competitive spirit on display, the GSB Unity Cup 3.0 continues to celebrate grassroots cricket and emerging talent in Goa.

Sports

GSB Unity Cup 3.0 Opens in Grand Fashion at Margao, Reinforcing Community Unity Through Cricket

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Margao: The GSB Unity Cup 3.0, organised by the Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust at the MCC ground, Margao, got off to a grand start on Wednesday with a floodlit opening match between Priority Titans and Shamrao Tridents.


The inaugural ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, who highlighted the role of the tournament in strengthening unity, sportsmanship and sporting culture within the community.

Speaking on the occasion, Trust president Sidhit Raiturkar said the organisers were delighted to host the tournament. He added that the Trust plans to establish a sports academy and a community centre in the future to further bring the community together.

Margao Cricket Club president Raghuvir Kunkolienkar wished all participating teams the very best and expressed hope that the spirit of unity would continue to grow stronger through cricket. Chirag Datta Naik, Managing Director of Commonwealth Developers, also extended his best wishes to the players and organisers.

Dr Sagar Salgaoncar, Managing Director of GENO Pharmaceuticals, congratulated the organising team and said he has closely witnessed the growth of GSB sports over the years. He described it as a pleasure to be part of the event and lauded the Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust for its sustained efforts.

Guest of honour Rohan Ramesh Kamat, Director of Kamat Realty, said sports teaches camaraderie and teamwork, noting that while one team wins and another loses, giving one’s best on the field is what truly matters.

Akash N. N. Khaunte, Director of ALCON – Anil Counto Enterprises, said the tournament was being organised for the third consecutive year and expressed happiness at being associated with the initiative. He added that the community should emerge as the real winner of the tournament.

In the opening match, Priority Titans defeated Shamrao Tridents by 15 runs. Batting first, Priority Titans posted a competitive total of 169 for 7 in 20 overs. Captain Yash Prabhugaonkar led from the front with a blistering 50 off just 19 balls, including four fours and four sixes.

For Shamrao Tridents, captain Siddharth Ghanekar and Anish Kakode claimed two wickets each, conceding 21 runs apiece.

Chasing the target, Shamrao Tridents managed 154 for 7 in their 20 overs, falling short by 15 runs. Nityay Kunkolienkar top-scored with a fighting 46 off 35 balls. Animesh Prabhu starred for Priority Titans with an impressive all-round performance, scoring 32 runs and taking three wickets to seal the opening win.

The GSB Unity Cup 3.0 has not only set the tone for an exciting cricket tournament but has also reinforced the message of unity and togetherness through sport.

Sports

Unity Cup 3.0 Auction Sees Vikrant Prabhu Bag Top Bid in Franchise-Style Bidding War

Tanisha Cardozo

The atmosphere was electric at Taj Vivanta, Panaji, as the Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust hosted the highly anticipated players’ auction for the Alcon GSB Unity Cup 3.0. Drawing participation from franchise owners, stakeholders, and supporters, the event marked a significant evolution in the tournament’s journey with the introduction of a franchise and auction-based format for the first time.

A total of 184 registered players went under the hammer as 10 franchises battled to build their dream squads. The highlight of the evening was Vikrant Prabhu, who emerged as the most expensive player of the auction, fetching a record-breaking 50 lakh points from CD Fountainheads.

Among the other top picks were Granthik Buyao (29L – Altracon Madgaon Royals), Arsh Sardesai (28L – Vimson Panaji Powerplay), Aditya Dalal (28L – KK Strikers), Animesh Prabhugaonkar (38L – Priority Titans), and Kaushal Hattangadi (32L – Desserts N More Avengers).

The event also featured the grand unveiling of the glittering GSB Unity Cup trophy, adding a ceremonial charm to the occasion. Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust President Siddhit Raiturkar welcomed Chief Guest Rajesh Dempo and Guest of Honour Yogiraj Kamat, who lauded the flawless organization and community engagement.

Several icon players attended in full team spirit, donning their franchise jerseys. The event honored past MCC leaders Yogesh Naik and Apoorva Bhembre for their contributions to sport and community development. Gaurav Borkar received special appreciation for developing custom software that streamlined the auction process.

Guest of Honour Yogiraj Kamat emphasized that the Unity Cup, despite the relatively small size of the GSB community in Goa, has become a powerful platform for unity, youth engagement, and sporting excellence. Chief Guest Rajesh Dempo congratulated the organizers for their sustained commitment to sports as a medium for community building.

With 25 league matches lined up, the third edition of the Alcon GSB Unity Cup promises a new level of professionalism, strategy, and excitement. This edition isn’t just about cricket — it’s about bringing people together, igniting talent, and fostering unity through the love of the game.

Sports

Alcon GSB Unity Cup 3.0 Auction Set for October 4 at Taj Vivanta, Panaji

Tanisha Cardozo

The Alcon GSB Unity Cup 3.0 is gearing up for its most anticipated event — the Grand Auction — to be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 4:00 PM at Taj Vivanta, Panaji. Organised by the Goa GSB Sports & Charitable Trust and powered by Alcon Anil Counto Enterprises, the auction will finalize team compositions for the third edition of the prestigious GSB Unity Cup, a grassroots-level cricket tournament bringing together talent, passion, and community engagement.

This year, a total of 187 players registered for the tournament, out of which 180 will go under the hammer. The auction sets the stage for intense action and strategic bidding as 10 teams compete for top cricketing talent. The auction will be followed by an official inaugural ceremony between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, which will include the Trophy and Jersey unveiling along with the felicitation of team owners.

The chief guest for the evening will be Mr. Shrinivas Dempo, a well-respected name in Goan sports and business circles. Mr. Yogiraj Kamat will attend as the Guest of Honour, with Mr. Aakash Khaunte as Special Invitee. The event promises to be a perfect blend of sportsmanship, strategy, and celebration.

The 10 teams competing this year and their respective owners are: CD Fountainhead (Chirag Datta Naik and Gaurav Borkar), Sinq Rangers (Sahil Adwalpalkar and Sanket Singbal), Madgaon Royals Cricket Club (Ashish Dukle and Adv Sahish Mahambrey), Desserts n More Avengers (Dr. Sagar Salgaocar), Priority Titans (Parind Nachinolkar & Swapneel Nachinolkar), KK Strikers (Kewal Kane and Amit Kamat), Shamrao Tridents (Prathamesh Sukhtankar), Dempo Challengers (Shrinivas Dempo), Vimson Panjim Powerplay (Harshvardhan Bhatkuly and Siddhant Amonkar), and Rising Stars of Ponda (Dr. Ketan Bhatikar).

This year’s tournament will be played across MCC in Margao and Panjim Gymkhana in January–February 2026. Venkat Biche is serving as the Chief Coordinator for the tournament and has been instrumental in shaping its structure and execution. The auction evening will also feature the presentation of mementoes to dignitaries, inspiring speeches, and a showcase of players and teams to watch out for in this highly anticipated edition of the Unity Cup.