India’s shooting star Manu Bhaker continued her strong run on the international stage by clinching the silver medal in the women’s 25m pistol event at the Asian Shooting Championships. Bhaker narrowly missed out on gold after losing a closely contested shoot-off against Vietnam’s Nguyen in the final. Despite the tough finish, Bhaker’s performance marked a confident return to the podium, reaffirming her status as one of India’s most dependable shooters in pistol events. The final witnessed intense competition, with fine margins separating the medalists. Adding to India’s success, Esha Singh delivered a composed performance to secure the bronze medal in the same event. Her podium finish further strengthened India’s medal haul at the championships and highlighted the depth of talent in the country’s shooting contingent. The results underline India’s growing consistency in shooting at the Asian level, with athletes continuing to deliver strong performances across categories.
Panjim, Goa – The passion for football in Goa remains as vibrant as ever, and former Indian national team footballer and current Chennaiyin FC player Mandar Rao Dessai believes that the state has the potential to produce even more world-class athletes — provided they receive the right guidance and support.
Speaking at a sports kit distribution event in Arpora–Nagoa, organized by the V.P. Arpora–Nagoa Panchayat, Mandar emphasized the importance of nurturing young sporting talent through community involvement and mentorship. Reflecting on his own journey, the 33-year-old footballer recalled the challenges he faced during his early days. “When I started playing, there were challenges — lack of kits, infrastructure, and support. But today, everything is available,” he said.
Mandar noted that while opportunities for sports have grown significantly across India, many young players still struggle due to limited financial and infrastructural support. He urged everyone — from local organizations and coaches to families and sports clubs — to come together to provide the right environment for emerging athletes. “We all should come together to motivate and guide young players so they can become great athletes,” he said.
The footballer also highlighted the crucial role that families play in shaping the careers of young sportspersons. “Support from family and friends — whether moral or financial — is crucial. I have represented my state and country, and I know there are many more talented players in Goa who just need the right training and guidance,” he added.
Calling discipline and dedication the cornerstones of success, Mandar expressed optimism that Goa will continue to produce outstanding athletes who can make India proud. “Football runs in the blood of every Goan,” he said, capturing the enduring spirit of the state’s connection with the sport.
During the event, Mandar thanked the Panchayat officials for their efforts in promoting grassroots sports and encouraged further development of local sporting infrastructure. His message was clear — with passion, perseverance, and community backing, Goa’s next generation of athletes can achieve greatness on national and international stages.
Raunak Singh, known in the martial arts community as Coach Ronnyy, brings over 17 years of experience as a certified MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and Combat Sports Instructor. Beyond training athletes, he also serves as an Army Martial Arts and Tactical Combat Trainer, specializing in self-defense and operational combat systems tailored for all age groups and professional categories.
His extensive coaching career includes mentoring athletes for some of the world’s most prestigious events, such as the World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, ADCC, World Martial Arts Mastership, World Cup, WAKO Kickboxing Championships, AJP Jiu-Jitsu Championships, and the Mombasa Open. Through these experiences, Raunak has always aimed to build a foundation where martial arts training develops not just skilled fighters, but strong, disciplined, and purpose-driven individuals—both on and off the mat.
The Academy of Combat Sports Goa (ACS GOA) was founded with a mission to establish a professional combat training hub that meets international standards right in Goa. Having worked closely with various federations, defense units, and international coaches, Raunak realized that India lacked a structured academy that could blend combat education, fitness science, and moral discipline. Today, ACS GOA acts as the parent academy and central body for multiple clubs, associations, and affiliate academies throughout Goa and India, uniting diverse martial arts communities under one shared goal: to raise India’s combat sports standards on the global stage.
The main academy is based in Old Goa, but official training programs also run in Panjim, Candolim, Vasco, and Margao. Collaborations with local institutions like Fitness Bar Old Goa and Don Bosco Oratory help extend ACS GOA’s reach. Through a network of affiliates and partner clubs, the academy provides technical guidance, instructor certification, and athlete development, serving as the core hub for the region.
At its core, ACS GOA’s mission is simple: to build warriors for life—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Martial arts, according to Raunak, is not just about fighting; it’s about discipline, humility, and leadership. Every program under the academy operates with the belief that strong character is the foundation of true strength.
The academy offers professional-level training across multiple disciplines. These include MMA, which integrates striking, wrestling, and submission grappling; Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, focusing on leverage and ground control; Kickboxing and Muay Thai for striking precision and endurance; TIMD (Tongilmoodo), a Korean unified martial art blending traditional philosophy with modern combat practice; and real-world self-defense systems tailored for civilians, police, and women’s empowerment programs. Each discipline is taught through a structured and progressive approach emphasizing technique, safety, and mental development.
Beginners begin their journey with foundational drills, movement patterns, and discipline habits, while advanced students delve into specialized tactical training, sparring, and conditioning for competition or self-defense. Raunak personally monitors every student’s progress to ensure safety, growth, and consistent development.
ACS GOA boasts an accomplished coaching team combining international experience and national excellence. Notably, Coach Erica J. de Sequeira, an international athlete ranked third globally in Professional Jiu-Jitsu (AJP ranking), represents India at elite competitions such as ADCC, World Pro, and the Mombasa Open. Alongside her, Raunak himself brings expertise as an Army Martial Trainer and Tactical Combat Instructor, while Instructor Ravindra Chand complements the team with certified yoga and martial arts training focused on athlete mobility, flexibility, and recovery. Together, they embody a balance of technical mastery, modern coaching science, and traditional martial discipline.
The academy caters to a wide range of age groups, designing custom programs to fit each. For kids aged five and above, the focus is on building confidence, focus, and coordination. Teens train for strength, discipline, and leadership development. Adults engage in self-defense, conditioning, and personal mastery, while seniors receive tailored training to improve flexibility, balance, and light defensive skills.
Students join ACS GOA for many reasons: fitness, self-defense, competition, or personal growth. Many start to improve health but stay for the discipline and mental growth martial arts fosters. Some go on to represent India internationally, while others discover balance and peace through consistent practice.
One standout success story is that of Erica J. de Sequeira. Rising from a local Goan student to securing third place in the World Jiu-Jitsu Professional Division, she exemplifies ACS GOA’s vision—empowering Indian athletes to reach global podiums through disciplined training.
Safety remains a top priority. The academy follows certified training protocols, offers medical supervision when necessary, and mandates proper safety gear use. Every session incorporates warm-ups, supervised drills, and skill-level appropriate sparring to ensure students train safely and confidently.
ACS GOA athletes regularly compete at all levels, from local tournaments to international championships such as ADCC, AJP, WAKO Kickboxing, and the World Mastership Games. The academy proudly produces champions who represent India with honor.
Beyond competition, student progress is measured through discipline, consistency, attitude, and technical improvement. The academy employs structured syllabus cards, skill evaluations, and ongoing feedback to support holistic development.
The academy’s self-defense programs are particularly impactful. Through Project Self-Defense Goa, ACS GOA runs initiatives focusing on women’s safety, child protection, and tactical awareness for real-world scenarios. These programs emphasize psychological readiness, situational control, and reaction training, delivered in collaboration with the Goa Police, Department of Women & Child Development, and Pink Force.
Looking ahead, Raunak envisions ACS GOA evolving into a National Center of Excellence for Combat Sports and Tactical Training within five years. The academy plans to expand its network nationwide, creating development pathways for youth athletes, instructors, and defense professionals. The goal is to position Goa as a leading hub for martial arts and combat education across South Asia.
When asked what title would best suit a martial arts movie about ACS GOA, Raunak says it would be “THE FIGHT WITHIN” — because true victory starts inside every individual before it’s visible in the ring.
Training at ACS GOA is not without its lighter moments. One memorable incident involved a kids’ sparring match where a young student suddenly paused mid-round, bowed, and said, “Coach, I need water before my takedown!” Moments like this bring laughter and humility, reminding everyone of the human side of martial arts.
If the academy had a signature move named after it, Raunak would call it “The Goan Lockdown” — a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu-based control transition symbolizing patience, precision, and pure technique, perfectly reflecting ACS GOA’s core values.
Expansion plans include developing international collaborations and launching online coaching platforms to make training accessible worldwide. The academy is also preparing to launch the Goa Fight League, an in-house MMA and Jiu-Jitsu event aimed at nurturing young Indian fighters. Ultimately, ACS GOA aspires to unify combat systems under an educational and ethical framework centered on discipline, respect, and lifelong learning.
Raunak also hopes to break a common myth: “Martial arts is only for fighters.” In reality, martial arts is for anyone seeking balance, strength, and confidence in life.
For those nervous about starting martial arts, Raunak offers simple but powerful advice: “Everyone starts as a beginner—even world champions. You don’t need to be strong to start; training will make you strong. Step onto the mat once, and you’ll realize martial arts isn’t about fighting others—it’s about discovering your best self.”
At ACS GOA, Raunak and his team are building more than fighters—they are creating a legacy of discipline, courage, and unity. As the parent academy to many clubs, associations, and affiliate academies, their mission is to raise the next generation of Indian martial artists who carry strength in skill and humility in heart.
In a defining moment for Indian para-sports, Nishad Kumar clinched his maiden gold medal at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 in New Delhi, winning the high jump T47 category. Known for his consistent top-tier performances, Nishad had long chased the top spot, finishing as runner-up at the Tokyo and Paris Paralympics and the last two World Championships. But on Friday, his dream turned into reality.
Looking calm and focused throughout, Nishad cleared all pre-set marks on his very first attempts. Once it was confirmed that he had secured gold, Nishad boldly went for a world record attempt at 2.18 meters. While he fell short of setting the record, the title was already his — a historic win for both him and the nation.
This victory was especially significant as he beat American high jumper Roderick Townsend, a three-time world and Paralympic champion. Townsend managed only one successful jump at 2.03m, finishing behind Turkey’s Abdullah Ilgaz, who took silver.
Reflecting on the moment, Nishad shared: “I have been waiting for this day for a year. I have been working very hard for this day. Today is the day. I have given my best. It’s God’s will. No one can stop me.” He added, “I already have silver medals. I have kept them on my rack. I haven’t seen them since. I had written in my diary that I will do it today.”
Nishad also called it a special personal milestone to beat Townsend for the first time: “It was a big achievement for me. I beat him for the first time in my life. I saw him for the first time in Rio 2016.”
Friday was doubly special for India as Simran Sharma also clinched her first World Championships gold in the T12 100m sprint. Clocking a personal best of 11.95 seconds, Simran added to her growing legacy, having won gold in the 200m at the last edition and a bronze at the 2024 Paralympics.
Together, Nishad and Simran’s victories mark a high point in India’s para-athletics journey, inspiring the next generation of athletes with resilience, skill, and a refusal to settle for anything less than gold.
Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral
For many, an accident might seem like the end of life. But for some, it becomes the beginning of a powerful new chapter. Lloyd Fernandes from Goa is one such person who turned tragedy into triumph. In 2016, Lloyd’s life changed forever after a devastating accident left him paralyzed. While most would struggle to cope, Lloyd found strength in an unexpected place—table tennis.
Determined not to let his condition define him, Lloyd picked up the sport after the accident. It started as a form of therapy and evolved into a full-fledged passion. With every swing of the paddle, he built confidence, strength, and purpose. He trained rigorously, competed fiercely, and steadily carved a name for himself in the world of Para Table Tennis.
His hard work paid off in March 2025 when he clinched two consecutive gold medals—first at the Para Table Tennis National Ranking Championship held from March 17–19, and then again at the Para Senior Table Tennis National Championship from March 21–23. Both prestigious events were hosted at the Sama Indoor Sports Complex in Vadodara, Gujarat.
Lloyd’s exceptional performance has now earned him a coveted spot in the ITTF Asian Para Championship, a major international tournament that gathers the best para-athletes from across the continent. His selection is not just a personal achievement, but also a proud moment for Goa and India.
Lloyd Fernandes’s journey from paralysis to the international stage is more than just a story of sports. It’s a powerful reminder that resilience, determination, and passion can overcome any obstacle. As he prepares to represent India at the ITTF Asian Para Championship, he carries with him the hopes of many and the undeniable spirit of a true champion.
