Tag: Indian Football

Sports

4th Vedanta Youth Cup Kicks Off in Goa with Top U-16 Talent from Across India

Tanisha Cardozo

The 4th edition of the Vedanta U-16 Youth Cup officially kicked off on 21st October 2025 in Goa, welcoming elite youth football teams from across India. Organised by the Sesa Football Academy (SFA), the tournament represents a crucial platform for identifying and nurturing young footballing talent at the grassroots level.

This year’s edition features eight high-performing teams: AIFF Talent Academy, Cortalim Villagers, Bengaluru FC, Dempo SC, Muthoot FA, Sesa FA, FC Goa, and Belgaum United Football Academy. These teams will compete across three venues — SFA’s Sirsaim Campus, Vagator Ground, and FC Goa Guirim Ground — as they battle it out for the prestigious title.

The tournament follows a pool format with two groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the semi-finals, set for 27th October at SFA Sirsaim, with the grand finale scheduled for 29th October at Duler Ground. Defending champions Muthoot Football Academy are back in the fray and are expected to present a strong challenge.

The opening day saw thrilling action as AIFF Talent Academy dominated Dempo SC with a commanding 4-1 win. Bengaluru FC launched their campaign with an emphatic 9-0 victory over Cortalim Villagers. In another close match, Sesa FA edged past Belgaum United 2-1. The result of the Muthoot FA vs FC Goa clash was pending at the time of publication.

As Indian football continues to demand more robust player pipelines and structured developmental competitions, the Vedanta U-16 Youth Cup serves as a vital cog in this larger ecosystem. Supported by the Goa Football Association (GFA) and Goa Football Development Council (GFDC), the tournament aligns with key priorities such as grassroots scouting, community participation, and long-term fan engagement.

The cup also holds special significance for Sesa Football Academy, which has been investing in local talent since 1999. Leena Verenkar, Head of SCDF & CSR at Sesa Goa, emphasized that the tournament reflects the academy’s commitment to developing players from Goa’s rural and mining belts. “SFA has since 1999 been focussing on nurturing homegrown talent from the rural and mining belts of Goa. It has been a vessel for developing and nurturing the rich legacy of Goan and National football.”

Technical Director of SFA, Gavin Araujo, highlighted the tournament’s value as a high-stakes developmental opportunity for young players. “It’s a superb platform that provides the right impetus to the young footballers and gives them the much-needed edge in terms of honing skills and sharpening key attributes including mental robustness.”

The tournament also marks another successful step for SFA as a dependable organiser of national-level competitions. After hosting I-League 3 and IWL 2 matches, the academy continues to grow as a hub of football excellence, helping pave the way for India’s next generation of players. The Vedanta U-16 Youth Cup is not just a competition — it’s a launchpad for dreams.

Sports

Sesa Football Academy Shines at GFA Awards with Multiple Top Honours

Tanisha Cardozo

Sesa Football Academy (SFA) emerged as one of the biggest winners at the Goa Football Association (GFA) Awards Night 2025, receiving widespread recognition for its remarkable contributions to Goan and Indian football during the 2024–25 season. The prestigious event, attended by notable dignitaries including the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, Guest of Honour Shri Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, and Dr. Caitano Fernandes, President of the GFA, celebrated the achievements of clubs and individuals who have advanced the sport in the region.

SFA was awarded for excellence across multiple categories. The Academy’s qualification for the I-League 3 and Indian Women’s League 2 was hailed as a significant achievement, underscoring their growing stature in Indian football. The Hon’ble CM, Dr. Pramod Sawant, extended his congratulations to the Academy, praising Vedanta’s commitment to nurturing grassroots talent and enabling young athletes to reach the national stage.

The SFA Women’s Team was felicitated for their outstanding performance in winning the 2024–25 Vedanta Women’s League, Goa’s premier women’s football competition, and for securing a berth in the Indian Women’s League 2. In youth football, the SFA U-19 boys’ team was recognised for their runner-up finish in the GFA U-19 Division I League, highlighting the Academy’s ongoing focus on developing young talent.

Beyond team performances, SFA also earned the ‘Special Achievement Award for Overall Excellence in Football Management’, reflecting the Academy’s structured approach and professionalism. They were also conferred with the ‘Organiser Award’ for exemplary venue management throughout the season.

Individual brilliance was a standout theme of the evening. Pearl Fernandes of the SFA Women’s Team was honoured with the coveted ‘Women’s Player of the Year’ award. Coach Severino Fernandes shared the ‘Coach of the Year’ accolade with SFA’s Technical Director, Mr. Gavin Araujo, recognizing their leadership and technical guidance. Additionally, five SFA players were acknowledged for their vital contributions to the Goa State Team’s runner-up finish at the Khelo India Beach Soccer (Men’s) tournament.

Vedanta Sesa Goa’s CEO, Mr. Navin Jaju, expressed pride in the Academy’s achievements, stating that the accolades spotlight SFA’s commitment to raising the bar for Indian football. He commended the efforts of the players and staff and reaffirmed Vedanta’s dedication to developing infrastructure and talent across all levels.

Dr. Caitano Fernandes, President of the Goa Football Association, also lauded SFA for being a pillar of Goan football for over two decades, emphasising their structured approach and contributions to the state’s football ecosystem.

Over the years, SFA has impacted over 8000 young footballers through sustained grassroots initiatives. Notably, 12 alumni have gone on to represent India at the international level in both men’s and women’s categories. In revitalising women’s football in the state, the Academy has provided a platform to over 1400 female footballers through the Vedanta Women’s League since its inception in 2017.

With an unwavering commitment to excellence, infrastructure development, and professional training, Sesa Football Academy continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian football, setting new benchmarks for others to follow.

Sports

Goa’s Valanka Alemao Creates History — Appointed to FIFA Standing Committee (2025–2029) ⚽🇮🇳

allycaralgoa

Goa, October 2025: In a groundbreaking moment for Indian football, Valanka Alemao has become the first Indian to be appointed to the FIFA Standing Committee for the term 2025–2029.

Her appointment marks a historic achievement — not only for Goa but for the entire nation — symbolizing India’s growing recognition and influence in international football governance.

Valanka Alemao, known for her active role in promoting football and community sports development in Goa, has been a driving force in grassroots initiatives and youth engagement programs. Her leadership, vision, and dedication to empowering athletes have earned her respect both nationally and globally.

The FIFA Standing Committees play a key role in advising and assisting the FIFA Council in shaping the global football agenda, making this appointment a significant opportunity for India to contribute directly to policy-making at the highest level.

Valanka’s inclusion reflects the increasing presence of women in sports administration and highlights India’s emergence as a contributor to the world sporting community.

This achievement has sparked immense pride among football enthusiasts, administrators, and fans across India — reinforcing the belief that Goan and Indian football are ready to make their mark on the global stage.

Congratulations, Valanka Alemao — you’ve made India proud! 🇮🇳⚽

#ValankaAlemao #FIFA #IndianFootball #Goa #WomenInSports #SportsLeadership #IndiaPride #FootballIndia #Allycaral

Human Interest

Shrinivas Dempo shares a major throwback; 9 years ago hosted FIFA President in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Nine years ago, in the vibrant coastal state of Goa, Shrinivas Dempo had the rare honor of hosting FIFA President Gianni Infantino for a private dinner. It was more than just an evening of hospitality — it was a meeting of minds brought together by a shared passion for football.

The occasion offered space for genuine conversation about the global game, the evolution of football in emerging regions, and the transformative power of sport. President Infantino’s visit to Goa came at a pivotal moment, symbolizing FIFA’s growing interest in the Indian football landscape. His warmth, openness, and curiosity about the local footballing culture were deeply appreciated.

For Shrinivas Dempo, a long-time supporter and contributor to Indian football, this meeting carried both personal and professional meaning. Representing Goa and India’s aspirations in the sport was a responsibility he embraced with pride.

Today, the memory of that evening remains vivid — and even more special as President Infantino himself continues to share it. It’s a lasting reminder that beyond stadiums and trophies, football is about connections, conversations, and moments that stay with us.

Sports

Is Cristiano Ronaldo Coming to Goa? Here’s What We Know

Tanisha Cardozo

FC Goa’s CEO, Ravi Puskur, has spoken candidly about the buzz surrounding Al Nassr’s visit to India — and the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo joining the team on the trip.

In a strong statement, Puskur acknowledged the magnitude of the situation. “Let’s be frank, this footballer is bigger than the team. He owns around 20% stake in Al-Nassr, and he is such a global figure that if he decides to sit out a match, even the head coach can’t really overrule him,” he said.

The Indian Super League club is leaving no stone unturned. Puskur revealed that a delegation will be sent to speak with Ronaldo directly. “We’re sending a delegation to speak to him directly. If Ronaldo isn’t coming, we’ll be upfront about it. We don’t want to mislead anyone,” he added.

The CEO also acknowledged the hype — and the risk — for fans. Tickets are reportedly selling fast. “But if he does come and tickets are already sold out, then fans who took that chance will have struck gold,” said Puskur. “They will get to watch, possibly, the greatest footballer ever to walk the planet. After all, a clash with Al Nassr, one of Saudi Arabia’s top clubs, is an event in itself.”

The anticipation now boils down to two key points, as outlined by Puskur:
One — Cristiano Ronaldo is officially registered to play in the match.
Two — Whether or not he boards the flight to Goa.

“That’s something we will only know closer to the time,” he concluded.

If it happens, it will be a landmark moment for Indian football — one that could go down in history as the day Cristiano Ronaldo brought his game to Goa.