Tag: Margao Sports

Sports

Clarence–Rajendra, Kane–Ruta Shine at BPS Open Pickleball Championship 2026 in Margao

Tanisha Cardozo

The BPS Open Pickleball Championship 2026 concluded on a high note at the iconic BPS Sports Club in Margao, delivering a final day packed with competitive intensity, close contests and commanding performances across categories.

Clarence Noronha and Rajendra Godinho capped off a strong campaign by clinching the Men’s Doubles 50+ title with a composed 11–5, 11–8 victory over Noel Noronha and Wilfred Jacques. Their consistency and control throughout the knockout rounds were evident, having earlier defeated Gaurav Sapra and Karan Singh 15–7 in the semifinals. In the quarterfinals, they had eliminated Lincoln and Savio Vales 15–5. Noel Noronha and Wilfred Jacques reached the final after overcoming Bipin Kantak and Subodh Shevde 15–8 in the semifinals and registering a commanding 15–1 win over Bosco Ravi Rebello and Ryan Costa in the quarterfinals.

In the Open Mixed Doubles final, Kane Roncon Pereira and Ruta Borkar delivered a dominant 11–2, 11–5 performance against Joshua Menezes and Audrey Menezes. The pair showcased sharp coordination and attacking precision, continuing the form that saw them defeat Vishnu and Aditi Chodankar 15–7 in the semifinals and Peter and Deepashree 15–3 in the quarterfinals. Joshua and Audrey had secured their final berth with a 15–6 win over Immanuel Rohan and Aarushi in the semifinals.

The Men’s Doubles (Open) category witnessed one of the most gripping finals of the tournament. Rahil Peris and Torcato Vaz rallied from a game down to defeat Immanuel Rohan and Joshua Menezes 6–11, 11–5, 11–7 in a thrilling three-game contest. Earlier, Rahil and Torcato had defeated Chinmay Kantak and Nihaal Borkar 15–6 in the semifinals, while Immanuel and Joshua edged past Anurag Agarwal and Kane Roncon Pereira 15–13 in a closely fought encounter.

In the Men’s Singles 35+ final, Immanuel Rohan overcame Nihaal Borkar 15–8, adding another highlight to his tournament run. Nihaal had progressed after defeating Nishant Verghese 15–5 in the semifinals, while Immanuel had secured his place in the final with a narrow 15–13 win over Tarun.

Across categories, the final day reflected the tournament’s competitive depth, featuring repeat matchups between seasoned rivals and tightly contested knockout games that kept spectators engaged throughout. The championship concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, marking the end of a successful three-day event that drew strong participation across age groups and categories at the BPS Sports Club, reinforcing Margao’s growing stature as a vibrant hub for pickleball in Goa.

Sports

Priority Titans Register Thrilling Three-Run Win Over K K Strikers

Tanisha Cardozo

Priority Titans registered a dramatic three-run victory over K K Strikers in a gripping league encounter of the GSB Unity Cup 3.0, organised by the Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust, at the MCC Ground, Margao. The match unfolded as a closely contested affair, keeping players and spectators engaged until the final ball.

After winning the toss, Priority Titans opted to bat first and posted a challenging total of 181 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Mihir Kundaikar played a composed and responsible innings, remaining unbeaten on 46 off 35 deliveries. He found able support from Anish Mahambre, who struck a quick 37 off just 17 balls, and Durgesh Prabhu Gaonkar, whose aggressive 34 off 17 balls provided early momentum. For K K Strikers, skipper Nikit Naik Dalal led the bowling attack admirably, finishing with impressive figures of 4 wickets for 21 runs.

In response, K K Strikers began their chase under pressure and found themselves struggling at 65 for 5 in 9.3 overs. However, Nikit Naik Dalal once again stepped up, playing a blistering knock of 53 off 32 balls, while Ramnath Prabhu Bam added a valuable 39 to revive hopes of a turnaround. Despite the late surge, Priority Titans maintained their composure in the closing overs, with disciplined bowling restricting the Strikers to 178 for 8 in 20 overs.

Animesh Prabhu Gaonkar and captain Yash Prabhugaonkar played key roles with the ball, picking up two wickets each to ensure the narrow victory. Animesh Prabhu Gaonkar was adjudged Man of the Match, while Mihir Kundaikar received the Hero of the Match award. The honours were presented by chief guests SP Rajendra Prabhudesai and Ved Mahambre.

Sports

GSB Unity Cup 3.0 Opens in Grand Fashion at Margao, Reinforcing Community Unity Through Cricket

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Margao: The GSB Unity Cup 3.0, organised by the Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust at the MCC ground, Margao, got off to a grand start on Wednesday with a floodlit opening match between Priority Titans and Shamrao Tridents.


The inaugural ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, who highlighted the role of the tournament in strengthening unity, sportsmanship and sporting culture within the community.

Speaking on the occasion, Trust president Sidhit Raiturkar said the organisers were delighted to host the tournament. He added that the Trust plans to establish a sports academy and a community centre in the future to further bring the community together.

Margao Cricket Club president Raghuvir Kunkolienkar wished all participating teams the very best and expressed hope that the spirit of unity would continue to grow stronger through cricket. Chirag Datta Naik, Managing Director of Commonwealth Developers, also extended his best wishes to the players and organisers.

Dr Sagar Salgaoncar, Managing Director of GENO Pharmaceuticals, congratulated the organising team and said he has closely witnessed the growth of GSB sports over the years. He described it as a pleasure to be part of the event and lauded the Goa GSB Sports and Charitable Trust for its sustained efforts.

Guest of honour Rohan Ramesh Kamat, Director of Kamat Realty, said sports teaches camaraderie and teamwork, noting that while one team wins and another loses, giving one’s best on the field is what truly matters.

Akash N. N. Khaunte, Director of ALCON – Anil Counto Enterprises, said the tournament was being organised for the third consecutive year and expressed happiness at being associated with the initiative. He added that the community should emerge as the real winner of the tournament.

In the opening match, Priority Titans defeated Shamrao Tridents by 15 runs. Batting first, Priority Titans posted a competitive total of 169 for 7 in 20 overs. Captain Yash Prabhugaonkar led from the front with a blistering 50 off just 19 balls, including four fours and four sixes.

For Shamrao Tridents, captain Siddharth Ghanekar and Anish Kakode claimed two wickets each, conceding 21 runs apiece.

Chasing the target, Shamrao Tridents managed 154 for 7 in their 20 overs, falling short by 15 runs. Nityay Kunkolienkar top-scored with a fighting 46 off 35 balls. Animesh Prabhu starred for Priority Titans with an impressive all-round performance, scoring 32 runs and taking three wickets to seal the opening win.

The GSB Unity Cup 3.0 has not only set the tone for an exciting cricket tournament but has also reinforced the message of unity and togetherness through sport.

Sports

MCC Knights Storm into Qualifier 2 with Dominant Win Over MCC Masters

allycaralgoa

Margao : MCC Knights booked their place in Qualifier 2 of the MCL 11 T-20 cricket tournament with a commanding 58-run victory over MCC Masters in the Eliminator match played at the MCC Ground, Margao.

Winning the toss and opting to bat first, MCC Knights put up a competitive total of 162/9 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Sairaj Dhond, who top-scored with a fluent 38. Valuable middle-order contributions from Vikram Gaitonde (23), Ameet Kakode (18), Kapil D.S. Borker (18) and Siddhant Ghanekar (18) ensured the Knights maintained momentum throughout the innings.

For MCC Masters, Dr. Prasad Ghode was the standout bowler with impressive figures of 3/30, well supported by Sudesh Prabhudesai (2/20) and Dr. Sunny (1/15).

In reply, MCC Masters struggled to cope with a disciplined bowling attack and were bundled out for 104 runs in just 15 overs. Vikrant Prabhu (37) and Dr. Prasad Ghode (18) offered resistance, but wickets fell at regular intervals.

The Knights’ bowling was spearheaded by a sensational spell from Siddhant Ghanekar, who claimed 5 wickets for just 14 runs, effectively sealing the match. He received excellent support from Vipul Kalekar (2/8) and Vikram Gaitonde (1/20).

For his outstanding all-round performance, Siddhant Ghanekar was deservedly adjudged Man of the Match.

With this emphatic victory, MCC Knights now march into Qualifier 2, where they will face MCC Thunder on December 26, keeping their title hopes firmly alive.

Sports

MCC Knights Register Thumping Win Over MCC Warriors

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

MCC Knights produced a dominant all-round performance to register a convincing victory over MCC Warriors in the ongoing MCL 11 T20 tournament match played at the MCC Ground, Margao. Batting first, MCC Warriors were restricted to 125 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Anoop Borkar top-scored with 36 runs, while Vasudev Kundaiker contributed 35. Sudip Faldesai remained unbeaten on 19. The MCC Knights bowling attack was impressive, with Vipul Kalekar picking up 2 for 28, Vinay Sambari returning figures of 2 for 19, and Shaunit Sawardekar claiming 2 for 14.

In reply, MCC Knights chased down the target in emphatic fashion, scoring 126 for 4 in just 9.4 overs. Ameet Kakode played a brisk knock of 37, Kapil D.S. Borker hammered 38, and Sairaj Dhond added 23. Pranav Biche remained not out on 23 to guide the team home comfortably. For MCC Warriors, Rajesh Kavlekar took 1 for 12, while Govind Lotlikar picked up 1 for 41.

Shaunit Sawardekar was adjudged Man of the Match for his impactful bowling performance and was presented the award by Nitish Naik. With this massive victory, MCC Knights strengthened their net run rate and moved to third place on the points table with eight points, underlining their strong form in the tournament.