Tag: Indian Sports

Sports

Badminton Legend Saina Nehwal Announces Retirement After Glorious Career

allycaralgoa

India’s badminton icon Saina Nehwal has officially announced her retirement from professional badminton, marking the end of an illustrious career that inspired a generation of Indian athletes.

The London 2012 Olympic bronze medallist confirmed her decision citing persistent knee injuries and the physical toll of the sport. Saina last appeared on the international circuit at the 2023 Singapore Open and has been away from competitive badminton for nearly two years.

Over the years, Saina emerged as one of India’s most decorated shuttlers, breaking barriers and placing Indian badminton firmly on the global map. Known for her grit, aggression, and fearless approach, she became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in badminton.

Her medal tally across major tournaments stands as a testament to her legacy:

  • Olympics: 🥉
  • World Championships: 🥈🥉
  • Asian Games: 🥉🥉
  • Commonwealth Games: 🥇🥇🥇🥈🥉
  • Uber Cup: 🥉🥉
  • Asian Championships: 🥉🥉🥉
  • World Junior Championships: 🥈🥉

Despite battling injuries in the later stages of her career, Saina continued to inspire with her determination and resilience. Her journey—from a young girl in Hyderabad to a global badminton superstar—has left an indelible mark on Indian sport.

As tributes pour in from across the sporting fraternity and fans worldwide, Saina Nehwal’s legacy will be remembered not just for medals, but for changing the face of women’s badminton in India.

Sports

Mahesh Dessai Appointed Team Manager for India vs New Zealand Series

allycaralgoa

The Goa Cricket Association (GCA) has announced with pride that Mr. Mahesh Dessai, President of the Goa Cricket Association, has been appointed as the Team Manager for the upcoming India vs New Zealand series, scheduled to be played in India.

The appointment is a significant honour for Goa cricket and reflects the confidence reposed in Dessai’s administrative acumen, leadership abilities, and deep understanding of the game, both as a former player and an administrator.

Expressing his gratitude, Dessai said, “I am deeply honoured by this appointment and thankful to ICC Chairmam, Jay Shah. As well as the President, Secretary and the Managing Committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India for entrusting me with this responsibility. It is a privilege to serve Indian cricket at the national level.”

He further added that the recognition is a collective achievement for Goa cricket. “This appointment is not just personal, but a reflection of the disciplined administration, professionalism, and consistent efforts of the Goa Cricket Association over the years. I will carry out my responsibilities as Team Manager with utmost sincerity and dedication, while upholding the values and standards of Indian cricket,” Dessai stated.

The Goa Cricket Association has congratulated Mahesh Dessai on this prestigious appointment and wished him success in his assignment with the Indian team during the India–New Zealand series.

Sports

Erica De Sequeira Wins Gold at Khelo India Asmita Kickboxing Zonal League 2025–26

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Erica De Sequeira delivered an outstanding performance at the Khelo India Asmita Kickboxing Zonal League 2025–26, held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, emerging as the gold medallist in a fiercely contested year-end championship. Competing against some of the best kickboxers from across the country, Erica displayed remarkable composure, technical skill, and determination throughout the tournament.

Her campaign began on a strong note with a convincing victory over Rajasthan, setting the tone for the matches ahead. She followed this up with impressive wins against Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, steadily establishing herself as one of the most consistent and formidable competitors in the league. Each bout reflected her disciplined training and tactical awareness, as she dominated her opponents with confidence.

The final saw Erica take on Maharashtra in a high-intensity clash, where she delivered a commanding performance to secure the gold medal. This victory not only marked the highlight of her zonal league journey but also earned her selection to represent her zone at the prestigious Khelo India National Games 2026.

The achievement is particularly significant as it reflects Erica’s growth as an athlete, having progressed from a bronze medal finish earlier in the season to standing atop the podium with gold. Speaking after her win, Erica described the moment as just the beginning of her journey, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support of her family and team while looking ahead to greater challenges.

Erica De Sequeira’s gold medal triumph at the Khelo India Asmita Kickboxing Zonal League 2025–26 stands as a testament to perseverance, hard work, and belief. With her eyes now set on the Khelo India National Games 2026, she continues to inspire as one of Goa’s most promising young athletes in Indian kickboxing.

Sports

Goa Boys Set to Compete at 36th Junior National Atya Patya Championship in Chandigarh

allycaralgoa

The Goa boys’ contingent is geared up to participate in the 36th Boys and Girls Junior National Atya Patya Championship, scheduled to be held in Chandigarh from December 12 to 14, 2025. The prestigious national-level tournament will see young talents from across India compete, offering Goa an opportunity to showcase its growing strength in the traditional sport.

The state’s participation will be overseen by Goa Atya Patya State Secretary Krishna Kharade, along with Federation Member Prisca Pires and members Surendra Dessai and Sushrut Kharade, who will ensure smooth coordination and support for the team throughout the championship.

The Goa boys’ team features a balanced mix of skill, discipline, and determination. The squad is led by Anish Velip (Captain) and includes Princekumar Thakur, Sanskar Naikdhure, Ayyan Tumbagi, Nitin Gautam, Vignesh Zoro, Shubham Lambor, Binna Halkumar Yadav, Raj Mali, Chandan Gaude, Deepak Thakur, Aniket Kharat, Manthan Mirashi, and Nekhil Gaur.

Guiding the team from the sidelines will be Coach Akash Sasnot, with Vijay Chauhan serving as the Team Manager.

With months of preparation behind them, the Goa contingent is confident and focused as they step onto the national stage. The championship promises intense competition, and the team is determined to put forth a strong performance, carrying the pride of Goa with them.

National

Mirabai Chanu Honored as Sportsperson of the Year at DSJA Annual Awards 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral National Desk

New Delhi witnessed a celebration of sporting excellence on November 16, 2025, as the Delhi Sports Journalist Association (DSJA) hosted its Annual Awards Ceremony at the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA). The prestigious event brought together prominent sports journalists, athletes, coaches, and administrators to honor outstanding contributions to Indian sports. Tokyo 2020 silver medalist Mirabai Chanu received the Sportsperson of the Year award, recognizing her exceptional achievements and inspiring journey. Her coach, Vijay Sharma, was awarded Coach of the Year, while Anupam Goswami, Head of Mashal Sports and League Chairman of the Pro Kabaddi League, was honored as Administrator of the Year for his tireless efforts in promoting India’s indigenous sport.

The ceremony also paid tribute to veteran journalists Mr. Pradeep Magazine, Mr. Vipin Bahuguna, and Mr. K.P. Mohan, acknowledging their decades-long dedication to capturing compelling sports stories that resonate with audiences across the country. Chief Guests Rohan Jaitley, President of DDCA, and Virendra Sachdeva, President of Delhi BJP and Secretary General of the Archery Association of India, lauded the contributions of sports journalists in raising the profile of athletes and inspiring future generations.

DSJA President Abhishek Tripathi expressed his gratitude to the guests, dignitaries, and journalists, emphasizing the vital role of media professionals in conveying the spirit and achievements of sports to millions of fans. The event underscored DSJA’s ongoing commitment to fostering excellence in sports journalism while celebrating the athletes, coaches, and administrators whose dedication shapes India’s sports landscape.

The Annual Awards Ceremony highlighted the synergy between athletes, mentors, and the media, creating an evening of recognition, inspiration, and celebration of India’s sporting talent.