Tag: Inclusive Sports

Sports

Divyang Cricket Championship Kicks Off in Ponda Ahead of Purple Fest Goa 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Ponda, Goa | 1st October 2025 – The energy at Ponda Sports Complex soared today as the Divyang Cricket Championship was officially inaugurated, kicking off the much-anticipated pre-events for the International Purple Fest Goa 2025. A tribute to ability, resilience, and community spirit, this inclusive sporting event sets the tone for what promises to be the most impactful edition of the Purple Fest yet.

Cricket, long cherished in India, took on a new meaning today — one that transcends boundaries and showcases how sports can empower people of all abilities. The event welcomed para-athletes and divyang (persons with disabilities) cricketers from across regions, drawing attention to the importance of accessibility and equal opportunity in sports.

The Purple Fest has always stood for inclusion, dignity, and visibility — and this cricket championship represents all of that and more. The players, representing courage and excellence, took to the pitch not just to compete, but to inspire. Their performances were met with cheers from an enthusiastic crowd, including families, community members, and supporters of the larger disability rights movement.

This event is not just a game; it’s a statement — that inclusion in sport is not just possible, it’s essential. As we count down to Purple Fest Goa 2025, the Divyang Cricket Championship reminds us of the extraordinary things that happen when accessibility meets opportunity.

The match may have started in Ponda, but its impact is already echoing far beyond the field.

Social

International Purple Fest 2025: Ponda to Host Blind & Wheelchair Cricket on Sept 29; Minister Ravi Naik Invited to Inaugurate

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo, Team Allycaral

Blind & Wheelchair Cricket to Shine at Purple Fest 2025 in Goa

Goa’s landmark celebration of inclusivity, International Purple Fest 2025, will witness a unique and inspiring sporting event – Blind & Wheelchair Cricket – to be held on 29th September 2025 at the Ponda Sports Complex.

Dr. Ketan Bhatikar, Sports Director of Purple Fest, officially extended an invitation to Minister Ravi Naik, who will inaugurate the match. The event will also see the presence of Rajiv Sahakari, further underscoring the commitment to promoting inclusivity in sports.

Purple Fest has always championed accessibility and empowerment, and this cricket event is no exception. Bringing together differently-abled athletes, the Blind & Wheelchair Cricket matches are a powerful testament to determination, talent, and the unifying spirit of sports.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Bhatikar emphasized how sports can break barriers and create new opportunities for all, while Minister Ravi Naik’s participation highlights the government’s support in fostering an inclusive society.

With such events, Purple Fest 2025 continues to reinforce its mission of creating a more accessible and equitable world, where everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to shine.

Sports

Goa Hosts 6th All Goa Deaf Football Tournament; Set to Welcome Nationals in October

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Sports Council of the Deaf (GSCD), in collaboration with Rudhra Sports Club, Comba-Margao, hosted the 6th All Goa Deaf Football Tournament at Fatorda-Margao. In an exciting final, North Goa triumphed over South Goa with a decisive 3-0 victory, reaffirming their dominance in the local deaf football circuit. Individual excellence was also celebrated, with Sanjil Parab winning Best Goal, Nitin Sonshikar securing the Golden Boot, and Kalpesh Ghadi being named Best Goalkeeper.

Gracing the event were key dignitaries including Vivekanand R. Tambi (TSO/Quepem), John Justine Fernandes (Executive Committee Member, AISCD), Prasad Joshi (General Secretary, GSCD), and the GSCD Board Members. Their presence underscored the growing importance and recognition of inclusive sports platforms in the state.

The tournament wasn’t just about accolades—it served as a critical scouting opportunity ahead of the upcoming National Football Championship for the Deaf (Junior Boys category), scheduled for October 9–12, 2025. In a historic first, Goa will host this national-level event at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim. Organised by GSCD and Rudhra Sports Club under the aegis of the All India Sports Council of the Deaf (AISCD), the event is being supported by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Government of Goa, as part of the International Purple Feast, in collaboration with the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.

This moment marks a major milestone in GSCD’s 28-year journey, as the organisation steps into the national spotlight as a host for the first time. Adding to Goa’s growing pride in the sports arena, local swimming talent Aahil Sheikh has been selected to represent India at the Deaflympics 2025 in Tokyo, which will take place from November 15–26. Aahil’s selection signals the rising wave of deaf athletes from the state making their mark on international platforms.

As Goa prepares to host the nation and send its best abroad, the message is clear: inclusivity in sports is no longer a footnote—it’s center stage.