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.
Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk
Goa Cricket Association President Mahesh Dessai and Secretary Tulsidas Shetye attended the prize distribution ceremony of the 21st All Goa Season Ball Cricket Tournament, popularly known as the Manorva Cup, organised by the Manorva Sports and Cultural Club at the Chapora Panchayat Ground. Their presence added significance to the concluding ceremony of one of Goa’s well-known local cricket tournaments.
Addressing the gathering, Mahesh Dessai, a former Ranji player, appreciated the efforts of the local MLA for initiating the development of a cricket ground in the area. He emphasised that proper infrastructure plays a vital role in strengthening cricket at the grassroots level and provides young players with the right environment to grow and excel. He also urged budding cricketers to remain disciplined, focused and committed to the sport.
Dessai highlighted the Goa Cricket Association’s ongoing initiatives to establish rural cricket centres across the state. These centres aim to identify talent from villages, nurture young players and offer them opportunities to progress to higher levels of competitive cricket.
GCA Secretary Tulsidas Shetye echoed similar sentiments and congratulated the organisers for successfully conducting the tournament. He noted that the Manorva Cup has consistently contributed to promoting cricket across Goa and encouraging participation at the community level.
In the final match, Mauli Sports Club, Nadora registered a dominant nine-wicket victory over Prestige 11. Batting first, Prestige 11 were bowled out for 136 runs in 19.3 overs. Mauli Sports Club chased the target comfortably, scoring 139 runs for the loss of just one wicket in 14.1 overs. Yogesh Kauthankar impressed with the ball for Mauli, claiming three wickets for 13 runs, while Sankalp Gawas remained unbeaten on 55 and Sachin Gawas scored an unbeaten 65 to seal a convincing win.
The successful conclusion of the 21st Manorva Cup once again underlined the importance of local tournaments in nurturing cricketing talent and sustaining the spirit of the game across Goa.
Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk
Goa Cricket Association President Mahesh Dessai has presented an ambitious and forward-looking vision aimed at transforming the cricketing landscape in Goa through transparency, professionalism, and a renewed commitment to talent development. Expressing heartfelt gratitude to GCA members and clubs for placing their trust in his leadership, Dessai emphasized that his mission is to build an ecosystem where every cricketer in the state — from budding players at the grassroots to those competing at senior levels — receives the infrastructure, coaching, and opportunities they need to excel. He reiterated that the GCA under his guidance will operate with complete transparency and accountability, ensuring that faith in the system is restored and strengthened.
Highlighting the power of inspiration in sport, Dessai referenced India’s recent triumph in the Women’s World Cup semi-final against Australia, where Australia were bowled out for 337 and Jemimah Rodrigues delivered a match-winning performance that captivated the nation. He noted that such remarkable achievements become possible when athletes are supported with strong structures, belief, and consistent opportunities — the very elements he aims to bring into Goan cricket.
Dessai’s vision includes a comprehensive plan to upgrade existing stadiums, enhance ground facilities, and develop new turf wickets and indoor practice centres across the state. He stressed the importance of strengthening grassroots cricket by introducing structured coaching programs and expanding inter-school and inter-district tournaments to scout promising young talent. A significant part of his vision focuses on boosting women’s cricket through dedicated training hubs, tournaments, and mentorship programs designed to encourage greater participation and skill development among women players in Goa.
Ensuring good governance remains a key element of his roadmap, with a strong push for merit-based selections, regular financial audits, and transparent communication with member clubs. He also aims to invest in capacity building by facilitating certification and refresher courses for coaches and umpires so that the technical quality of cricket in Goa continues to rise. Dessai emphasized the importance of collaboration with the BCCI, clubs, academies, and schools, stating that unified efforts will help make Goan cricket more competitive and professionally managed.
Additionally, the new GCA leadership is keen on reviving inter-office, corporate, and veterans’ tournaments to re-energize community engagement with the sport. Plans are also underway to introduce initiatives at the community level to bring fans closer to cricket and foster a more vibrant sporting culture. With Mahesh Dessai at the helm, the Goa Cricket Association is poised to usher in a stronger, more inclusive, and purpose-driven era for cricket in the state, aiming to provide every deserving player the platform they need to shine.
Panaji, Goa – June 20, 2025 In a spirited celebration of values championed by senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, top state leaders of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) and Goa Pradesh Youth Congress (GPYC) came together with grassroots supporters to mark a day dedicated to compassion, inclusiveness, and youth empowerment.
The event saw the presence of GPCC President Amit Patkar (@amitspatkar), Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao (@Yurialemao9), and GPYC Working President Mahesh Narvekar Dessai (@MaheshNDR). Accompanied by enthusiastic Youth Congress functionaries and volunteers, the leaders joined hands to spread smiles and social awareness through various outreach activities across the state.
Honouring the Spirit of Rahul Gandhi’s Leadership
The celebration was not just symbolic — it was grounded in action. Congress members conducted community engagement drives, interacted with local youth, and emphasized the ideals that Rahul Gandhi has consistently promoted: social justice, youth participation, secular values, and the importance of empathy in leadership.
“Rahul Ji has shown us that politics can be compassionate, that leadership can be empathetic. Today, we are here to live those values through real action in our community,” said Amit Patkar.
Activities That Reflected the Message
The day’s events included:
Visits to shelters and orphanages to share meals and distribute essential items.
Interactive youth circles discussing education, employment, and political participation.
Cleanliness drives in urban and semi-urban areas.
Cultural interactions and creative sessions to engage with school and college students.
“Youth are not just the future — they are the present. Rahul Ji’s message gives us hope that inclusive politics is possible, and that we must build bridges, not walls,” said GPYC’s Mahesh Dessai.
A Message of Unity and Purpose
Yuri Alemao, the Leader of the Opposition, underlined that the Youth Congress is not only a political wing but a platform for social change. “We are here today to demonstrate the power of grassroots connection, and how political movements can transform into movements of kindness and responsibility.”
The GPCC and GPYC plan to continue these outreach activities throughout the year, keeping alive the values of unity, secularism, and compassion that form the backbone of the Congress party’s ideology.
