Tag: Health

Sports

Goa’s Saibar Mulla Appointed BCCI Match Observer for India–South Africa Test in Guwahati

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Goa’s cricket administration has received a significant boost with the appointment of Saibar Mulla as the BCCI Match Observer for the second Test match between India and South Africa in Guwahati. Mulla, a former junior cricketer who represented Goa at U-13, U-14, and U-15 levels, described this recognition as a proud moment not only for himself but for the entire Goan cricket community.

Reflecting on his journey, Saibar credited his father, Akbar Mulla—who served the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) in several key capacities including Treasurer, Senior Vice-President, and member of the BCCI Marketing Committee—for inspiring his early involvement in cricket administration. Over the years, Saibar served as President of Akbar Sports Club, managed club-level cricket operations, and actively participated in GCA organising committees for A Division, B Division, and Premier League tournaments, eventually becoming a co-opted member of the GCA.

He highlighted five key mentors who shaped his administrative journey: his father Akbar Mulla, senior GCA stalwart Chetan Desai, Vinod Phadke, former GCA President Suraj Lotlikar, and current GCA President Mahesh Desai. Their guidance, combined with his own dedication, paved the way for his national-level appointment.

As a BCCI Match Observer, Saibar will oversee the logistical and operational aspects of the Test match, ensuring compliance with regulations and smooth execution of the event. He emphasized the broader significance of this role, stating that it reflects the emerging administrative talent from Goa and serves as inspiration for umpires, scorers, and administrators in the state.

Saibar’s journey from a junior cricketer to a national-level administrator illustrates Goa’s contribution to Indian cricket beyond the playing field. He hopes his appointment will motivate young Goans to pursue careers behind the scenes in cricket, stressing the importance of hard work, passion, and dedication to the sport. This achievement stands as a testament to Goa’s growing presence in national cricket administration and highlights the state’s commitment to nurturing talent and contributing meaningfully to Indian cricket.

Sports

Goa to Host 14th Acrobatic Gymnastics Asian Championships 2025 – India’s First

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is set to make history as it hosts the 14th Acrobatic Gymnastics Asian Championships 2025 from October 31 to November 2 at the Peddem Indoor Stadium, Mapusa. For the first time in India, this prestigious international sporting event will bring together the finest acrobatic gymnasts from across Asia, showcasing their artistry, strength, and teamwork over three days of thrilling competition.

The championship will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, alongside senior officials including Shri Santosh Sukhadeve, IAS, Secretary (Sports), Government of Goa; Dr. Ajay R. Gaude, Director of Sports & Youth Affairs, Goa and Executive Director, Sports Authority of Goa; Ms. Aigul Dukenbayeva, AGU Technical President; Shri Sudhir Mital, President of the Gymnastics Federation of India; and Shri Dr. C. Prabhakar, Vice President, Gymnastics Federation of India, along with top international officials, coaches, and athletes. The event has received support from the Honorable Sports Minister of Goa Shri Ramesh Tawadkar.

The championship promises an electrifying display of balance, coordination, and creativity, with athletes performing complex routines that require precision, power, and artistry. It also provides a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration among the gymnastics community across Asia.

Ms. Aigul Dukenbayeva, AGU Technical President, expressed her excitement, stating that the championships symbolize unity, artistry, and athletic excellence, and praised India and Goa for hosting the event. Shri Sudhir Mital, President of the Gymnastics Federation of India, described the event as a proud milestone that reinforces India’s commitment to nurturing gymnastics talent. Shri Dr. C. Prabhakar highlighted that the championship celebrates discipline, teamwork, and dedication, leaving a lasting legacy for young gymnasts in India.

The 14th Acrobatic Gymnastics Asian Championships 2025 marks a significant milestone for India in the international gymnastics arena. Goa, with its vibrant sporting culture and world-class infrastructure, is ready to welcome athletes, officials, and fans from across Asia for a truly unforgettable sporting spectacle.

Health

Occupational Therapy: Empowering Goans to Live Life Independently

Tanisha Cardozo

In Goa, where community care and compassion are woven into everyday life, health and independence carry deep meaning. For many Goans recovering from illness, injury, or disability, even simple tasks such as dressing, writing, or returning to work can become challenging. This is where Occupational Therapy plays a vital role, helping individuals rediscover their independence and quality of life through creativity, care, and science.

Occupational Therapy is a holistic healthcare profession that enables people to live meaningful lives by regaining the ability to perform everyday activities. Contrary to what the name might suggest, it is not about finding employment but about engaging in daily occupations — the essential actions that bring purpose, such as self-care, learning, leisure, and work.

Occupational Therapists approach healing by focusing on the person as a whole — the body, mind, environment, and goals. Through purposeful activities, adaptive devices, and individualized exercise programs, they help people rebuild movement, coordination, confidence, and independence.

This dynamic field encompasses several areas, including orthopaedic rehabilitation, neurosciences, paediatrics and NICU care, mental health, geriatrics, oncology and palliative care, ergonomics, and community-based rehabilitation. Occupational Therapists serve across hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, and community programs — supporting individuals of all ages.

This year’s World Occupational Therapy Day 2025 theme, “Occupational Therapy in Action: Transforming Lives, Building Communities,” captures the essence of this profession. In Goa, therapists like Dr. Vailanki Nazira Raposo at Goa Medical College exemplify this mission by working hand in hand with doctors, educators, and families to ensure holistic, patient-centred healing.

Occupational Therapy is more than treatment; it is empowerment. It is about enabling individuals to regain control, rebuild identity, and reconnect with their communities. As Goa continues to advance in healthcare, the contribution of occupational therapists remains vital — enabling independence, enhancing quality of life, and empowering Goans to live with dignity and purpose.

Sports

FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 Returns to India After 23 Years, to Be Held in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

The global spotlight returns to India as the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 is set to unfold in the scenic coastal state of Goa, marking a monumental return of the tournament to Indian soil after over two decades. Scheduled from October 31 to November 27, the event will be hosted at the plush Resort Rio in Bardez, Arpora — a venue that blends luxury with Goa’s laid-back coastal charm.

A total of 206 elite players from 82 countries will vie for a share of the impressive $2 million prize fund in a nail-biting knockout format. But the stakes go beyond the prize money — the top three finishers will earn a golden ticket to the 2026 Candidates Tournament, the gateway to the World Chess Championship.

Among the notable contenders are household names in world chess: Gukesh D, Arjun Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa R, Anish Giri, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Vincent Keymer, Hans Niemann, Wesley So, Richard Rapport, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Vidit Gujrathi, and Nihal Sarin. A special highlight will be 12-year-old Argentinian prodigy Faustino Oro, who is set to become the youngest participant in the tournament’s history.

Indian chess fans have another reason to celebrate with the inclusion of Divya Deshmukh in the Open Section through a wildcard entry, marking a significant step for Indian women in elite chess.

The tournament’s return to India underlines the country’s rapid rise in the global chess hierarchy — not just as a breeding ground for prodigies, but as a serious stage for international events. With recent triumphs from Indian grandmasters and increasing national interest, India is poised to redefine its place on the global chess map.

Adding to the excitement is a culturally immersive logo that blends Goa’s signature symbols — a palm tree swaying over a blue wave, a red checkered chessboard, and a yellow sun radiating warmth — creating a visual identity that is as vibrant as the host state itself.

Further elevating the spirit is the official anthem, sung by iconic Indian artist Daler Mehendi. The song celebrates India not only as a host but as a protagonist in global chess. Through the lens of key players — Tania Sachdev, Gukesh, Humpy Koneru, and Vidit — the anthem embodies the pillars of Indian chess: talent, tradition, intellect, and inspiration.

With the perfect blend of tradition, talent, and tropical beauty, the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 in Goa is set to be more than a tournament — it will be a celebration of chess, culture, and India’s enduring rise on the global stage.

Social

Community Spirit Shines at Blood Donation Camp Held in Pilerne, Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

On October 12, 2025, the church hall of St. John the Baptist Church in Pilerne, Goa, was filled not only with people but with purpose, as the parish hosted its annual Blood Donation Camp. Organized in collaboration with Loving Hearts Goa and the North Goa District Hospital (Asilo) Blood Bank, the event exemplified the true meaning of community service and selflessness.

The camp, held from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, welcomed donors from all walks of life. From young professionals to elderly parishioners, the turnout reflected a collective spirit of generosity and awareness about the importance of donating blood. The smooth execution of the event was made possible with the logistical support of the medical team from Asilo Blood Bank and the hospitality extended by Peppy’s Goan Kitchen Caterers.

Mr. Mark D’Souza, President of Loving Hearts Goa, along with founding member Mr. Ranjit Rodrigues and Treasurer Ms. Sanyukta Gawade, expressed heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved. In particular, they acknowledged the unwavering support of Fr. Derick Fernandes, the parish priest, whose encouragement was vital to the event’s success.

Events like these not only contribute directly to saving lives but also bring communities closer, reminding everyone of the impact a small act of kindness can have. The blood collected during the camp will go on to help patients in need, proving once again that giving is indeed a blessing.