Tag: #india

Sports

Vimson Panjim Powerplay Seal One-Run Thriller in GSB Unity Cup 3.0

Tanisha Cardozo

It was a night of high drama and edge-of-the-seat action in Margao as Vimson Panjim Powerplay clinched a sensational one-run victory over Madgaon Royals CC in the GSB Unity Cup 3.0, organised by the Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust.

Played under floodlights at the MCC Ground, the match delivered everything a cricket fan could hope for — a competitive total, strong individual performances, and a finish that went right down to the final ball.

Chasing 160 for victory, Madgaon Royals CC fought hard but fell just short, ending at 158 for 7 in their 20 overs. The match reached its peak in the final delivery, where the Royals needed four runs to win and three to tie. In a desperate attempt to complete the third run, Granthik Buyao was run out, handing Vimson Panjim Powerplay a dramatic one-run win.

Earlier in the evening, after winning the toss, Madgaon Royals opted to field first. Vimson Panjim Powerplay posted a competitive total of 159 for 7, thanks to a composed and captain’s knock from Amod Borkar. Leading from the front, he scored a fluent 50 off 39 balls, including five boundaries and a six.

He was well supported by Shivam Varik, who contributed 31 off 25 balls, and Siddhant Amonkar, who added a quickfire 30 off just 19 deliveries. The innings was further boosted by 21 extras, which proved crucial in the end.

For Madgaon Royals, Sanat Prabhudessai was the standout bowler, returning impressive figures of 2 for 23, while Samprabh Phaldesai and Kartik Hattangadi chipped in with a wicket each.

In response, Madgaon Royals mounted a strong chase led by Sahish Mahambrey, who played a blistering knock of 52 runs, smashing four boundaries and three sixes. Sanat Prabhudessai added 31 runs, while Damodar Pai Patnekar (20) and Kartik Hattangadi (17) provided valuable contributions in the middle order.

However, disciplined bowling by Vimson Panjim Powerplay kept the pressure intact. The team conceded just eight extras, a factor that ultimately made the difference in such a closely contested match. Amod Borkar, Kapil Sinai Borkar, and Siddesh Desai picked up a wicket each at crucial moments.

At the post-match presentation, Amod Borkar was named the Desserts N More Player of the Match for his all-round performance, while Siddesh Desai received the Kamat Realty Hero of the Match award.

The thrilling contest not only showcased the competitive spirit of local cricket in Goa but also highlighted how fine the margins can be in the game — where every run, every ball, and every decision counts.

Travel

Goa Tourism Unveils Regenerative Vision at SATTE 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa Tourism marked a significant presence at SATTE 2026, one of South Asia’s leading travel trade exhibitions, held at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, whose visit to the Goa pavilion added prominence to the State’s participation.

During his visit, the Minister interacted with the official Goa delegation, gaining insights into the State’s evolving tourism roadmap. The delegation highlighted Goa’s strategic focus on regenerative tourism, an approach that goes beyond sustainability by actively restoring and enhancing local ecosystems, communities and economies. This progressive vision positions Goa as a leader in responsible tourism practices in India.

The Goa pavilion emerged as a major attraction on Day 1, witnessing a steady flow of visitors, including domestic and international travel trade representatives. Delegates showed keen interest in the State’s diversified tourism offerings, ranging from its iconic coastal experiences to its lesser-explored hinterland circuits. The display presented a comprehensive picture of Goa as a year-round destination, moving beyond its traditional beach-centric identity.

A key highlight of the showcase was the emphasis on regenerative tourism as a guiding principle for future growth. Anchored in the pillars of people, environment and economy, this approach resonated strongly with stakeholders seeking meaningful and sustainable travel models. The concept drew attention from buyers and partners looking to align with destinations that prioritise long-term impact over short-term gains.

The pavilion also promoted the “Live the Feeling” campaign, inviting travellers to experience Goa in a more immersive and authentic way. The campaign encourages visitors to engage with local culture, traditions and communities, thereby enriching their travel experience while contributing positively to the destination.

Officials noted strong engagement and productive discussions with industry stakeholders, particularly around experiential tourism, infrastructure development and enhanced visitor facilities. SATTE continues to serve as a crucial platform for Goa to expand its reach, strengthen partnerships and reinforce its position in both domestic and international markets.

Goa’s dynamic participation at SATTE 2026 reflects its continued commitment to innovation in tourism and its ambition to redefine how destinations are experienced. By embracing regenerative principles and showcasing a holistic tourism portfolio, the State is setting a forward-looking benchmark for the industry while reinforcing its appeal to the modern, conscious traveller.

National

Kerala Officially Renamed Keralam: A Cultural Shift with Political Undercurrents

Tanisha Cardozo

Kerala has officially been renamed “Keralam,” marking a significant moment where constitutional identity finally aligns with linguistic and cultural reality. For decades, “Keralam” has been the name used in Malayalam—the language spoken by millions in the state—yet the official name recorded in the Constitution remained “Kerala.” That distinction has now been erased, bringing a sense of closure to a long-standing demand rooted in history and identity.

The journey to this moment began with a resolution passed by the state assembly in 2024 under the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led government. The resolution highlighted how Indian states were reorganised on linguistic lines in 1956, and how the formation of a unified region for Malayalam-speaking people was deeply tied to identity. November 1, celebrated as Kerala Piravi Day, marks that formation, yet the official naming had remained inconsistent with local usage. The push to adopt “Keralam” was therefore not about change, but about correction.

With the renaming now official, the spotlight has also turned to its political context. The decision comes at a time when the Bharatiya Janata Party is working to strengthen its presence in a state traditionally dominated by the Left and the Congress. Leaders such as Rajeev Chandrasekhar have framed the move as part of a broader effort to reclaim cultural identity and address what they describe as unfinished work of previous decades.

At the same time, the renaming intersects with ongoing debates around language in India. Kerala has often been at the centre of discussions on linguistic autonomy, particularly in resisting the compulsory imposition of Hindi. While leaders like Amit Shah have emphasised the importance of promoting Indian languages collectively, the state has consistently asserted the primacy of mother tongue and regional identity in education and governance. In that context, adopting “Keralam” strengthens the argument for linguistic recognition within the federal structure.

Beyond politics, however, the emotional resonance of the change is undeniable. For Malayalis, “Keralam” is not new—it is familiar, lived, and deeply personal. It reflects how people refer to their land in everyday life, in literature, in cinema, and in cultural expression. The official adoption of the name is therefore less about transformation and more about acknowledgement.

As “Keralam” enters formal use, it stands as a reminder of how names carry meaning far beyond words. They hold history, identity, and belonging—and in this case, they also carry the weight of timing, politics, and aspiration in a state that continues to evolve while staying rooted in its cultural core.

Sports

Junior Cricket Championship 2026 Set to Bowl Off in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

The Junior Cricket Championship 2026 is all set to bring an exciting wave of grassroots cricket action to Goa as young talents gear up to showcase their skills from February 25 to 28. Organised by Oxford Cricket Club, the tournament will be held across two venues—Arlem Ground in Margao and Chicalim Ground in Vasco—creating a competitive yet nurturing environment for budding cricketers.

Spanning four days, the championship will feature three key age categories—U-15, U-14, and U-13—ensuring a broad platform for emerging players at different stages of development. Matches will follow a 25-over format, scheduled across morning and afternoon sessions, allowing for a packed and engaging tournament structure. The league stage will culminate in a third-place playoff and the grand finale on February 28, promising a thrilling conclusion.

A total of eight teams have been divided into two groups, setting the stage for intense competition. Group A includes Dhadsakal Star, AK Rangers, Banjara Cricket Club and Ghumteshwar, while Group B features Oxford, MCC, Panjim Challengers and Porvorim Panthers. With teams evenly matched, the championship is expected to deliver high-energy encounters leading into the knockout rounds.

The tournament, powered by CricHeroes, reflects a growing emphasis on structured cricket at the grassroots level in Goa. Speaking about the initiative, JCC President Romeen Mulam shared that the idea stemmed from a noticeable gap in organised opportunities for young players. While tennis-ball cricket tournaments and auctions are common among adults, similar platforms for children were largely absent until recent efforts.

Mulam recalled that the club itself was founded two decades ago in Dubai under the guidance of Mukhtar Khadri, with a vision to create meaningful cricketing opportunities. Bringing that vision to Goa, the championship aims to bridge the gap and offer young players a chance to experience competitive cricket in a professional setup.

The response to the tournament has been overwhelmingly positive. Despite initially capping participation at 150 players, registrations surged to 196, reflecting strong interest from both players and parents. This enthusiasm underlines the growing appetite for structured sporting opportunities among Goa’s youth.

Mulam also acknowledged the support extended by the Goa Cricket Association and the Sports Authority of Goa, which has been instrumental in ensuring the smooth conduct of the event. Their involvement further strengthens the credibility and scale of the championship.

Beyond the matches and competition, the organisers envision the Junior Cricket Championship as a long-term initiative that will become a staple in Goa’s sporting calendar. By providing consistent exposure and a professional framework, the tournament seeks to nurture talent at an early stage and contribute to the development of future cricket stars from the region.

As the tournament gets underway, cricket enthusiasts, parents and supporters are invited to witness the action unfold and cheer on the next generation of Goan cricketers. With high energy, competitive spirit and raw talent on display, the Junior Cricket Championship 2026 promises to be a celebration of youth, passion and the future of cricket in Goa.

Sports

CSK’s Legend MS Dhoni Gears Up for Another IPL Season

Tanisha Cardozo

The cricketing world can breathe a sigh of relief—MS Dhoni is officially set to play in the IPL 2026 for Chennai Super Kings. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed the news to NDTV, ending months of speculation over whether the iconic captain would continue playing.

At 44, Dhoni may no longer be scoring prolifically and often bats lower down the order, but his presence on the field extends far beyond statistics. Known as the only captain to win all three ICC white-ball trophies and a five-time IPL champion with CSK, Dhoni continues to be an inspiration and a fan favourite across the country. Whenever injuries or other challenges have sidelined designated captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in the past, Dhoni has seamlessly returned to the helm, demonstrating the leadership and calm that has defined his legendary career.

Off the field, Dhoni has made it clear that he has no interest in joining the commentary box, citing the delicate balance required to critique players without appearing unfair. In a recent podcast, he explained, “Commentary is very difficult… It’s a very thin line. If the team is losing, there are reasons behind it, and you need to have the skill of describing those reasons without anybody feeling bad. That is the art of commentary.” This insight underscores Dhoni’s dedication to the sport and his preference to contribute directly on the field rather than from the booth.

As the IPL 2026 approaches next month, fans of CSK and cricket enthusiasts nationwide can look forward to witnessing the return of a living legend. Dhoni’s leadership, experience, and ability to galvanise his team continue to make him indispensable, proving that while he may have scaled back his personal batting milestones, his impact on the game remains monumental. Whether he’s guiding young players, leading in critical moments, or delighting spectators with his unique presence, Dhoni’s aura in the IPL remains unmatched, promising yet another memorable season.