Sports

Goa to Host Vizzy Trophy 2026: Top University Teams Set to Clash


Goa is set to become the centre of university cricket action as the Goa Cricket Association gears up to host the prestigious Vizzy Trophy from March 1 to 7, 2026. The tournament will bring together some of the finest university cricketers from across the country, representing the North, South, East, and West Zones.

Played in the one-day format, the competition promises fast-paced and competitive cricket, offering young players a valuable opportunity to showcase their skills on a national stage. The Vizzy Trophy has long been regarded as an important platform for emerging talent, often serving as a stepping stone for players aspiring to make their mark in professional cricket.

Matches will be conducted at two key venues โ€” the GCA Ground in Porvorim and the Panjim Gymkhana Ground โ€” both of which are expected to host exciting encounters throughout the week-long tournament. With teams from different zones bringing diverse playing styles and strengths, spectators can look forward to a dynamic and engaging cricketing spectacle.

Beyond the competition, the tournament also highlights Goaโ€™s growing presence as a host for major sporting events. By bringing together top university teams, the Vizzy Trophy not only promotes competitive cricket but also encourages sports development at the grassroots and collegiate levels.

As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on the young cricketers who will take the field, aiming to leave a lasting impression. With talent, ambition, and opportunity coming together, the Vizzy Trophy 2026 is set to be a significant chapter in Indiaโ€™s university cricket calendar.

Sports

RC Goa, Dempo Challengers Register Convincing Wins in PGML 5.0


RC Goa and Dempo Challengers registered comfortable victories in their respective matches in the ongoing PGML 5.0 cricket tournament organised by Panjim Gymkhana at the Campal ground in Panaji.

In the first match of the day, Desserts N More Avengers, after being invited to bat, were bowled out for 108 runs in 19.5 overs. Vikas Shetty anchored the innings with a well-made 50 off 36 balls, striking two fours and three sixes, while Muktiar Kadri added 24 runs. However, the rest of the batting line-up struggled to build partnerships. Aryan Mashelkar led the bowling attack for RC Goa with an impressive spell of 3 for 16, well supported by Rajshekhar Harikant, Ramnath Gaonkar and others.

In reply, RC Goa chased down the target in just 11.3 overs despite losing five wickets. Aryan Mashelkar capped off an excellent all-round performance by scoring 31 runs off 25 balls. Captain Rajshekhar Harikant contributed 23 runs, while Ramnath Gaonkar added 19 to steady the innings. Aryan Mashelkar was adjudged Player of the Match for his impactful contributions with both bat and ball.

In the second encounter, Sun Estate Warriors batted first and were all out for 125 runs in 18.1 overs. Abhijit Bhandare played a blistering knock of 51 off just 20 balls, smashing seven fours and three sixes, while Dhilan Shah supported with 28 runs. For Dempo Challengers, Aditya Angle and Prashant Pangam picked up two wickets each to restrict the opposition.

Chasing 126 for victory, Dempo Challengers reached the target in 16.5 overs, finishing at 126 for 3. Vedant Naik produced a match-winning innings of 52 off 28 balls, which included three fours and four sixes. Sameer Chodankar added a steady 28 runs to guide the chase. Vedant Naik was named Player of the Match for his decisive contribution.

With consistent performances and competitive fixtures, the PGML 5.0 tournament continues to deliver exciting cricket action at the Panaji Gymkhana ground.

Sports

RC Goa Enter Final; Priority Titans Survive Super Over Thriller in PGM L 5.0


RC Goa stormed into the final of the PGM L 5.0 Cricket Tournament organised by Panjim Gymkhana after defeating Baale Tigers by four wickets in Qualifier 1 at the Panaji Gymkhana ground in Campal. The much-anticipated final will be played on February 22.

In the morning clash between table-toppers RC Goa and second-placed Baale Tigers, RC Goa won the toss and elected to bowl in what turned out to be a low-scoring contest. Baale Tigers were bowled out for 117 runs in 19.5 overs, with Samar Dubhashi top-scoring with 33 runs, Lakshay Garg adding 27, and Dhiraj Fadte contributing 20. Ramnath Gaonkar was the standout performer with the ball, delivering a fiery spell of 4 for 17, while Gauresh Khandepakar and Nakul Mhamal chipped in with a wicket each.

Chasing 118 for victory, RC Goa faced early setbacks and were reduced to 59 for 4 in 12 overs. Ramnath Gaonkar once again made an impact, scoring 27 crucial runs. After his dismissal, RC Goa found themselves in trouble at 87 for 6. However, Gauresh Khandepakar rose to the occasion with a blistering unbeaten 24 off just 8 balls, including three sixes and a four, steering the team home in 19 overs with one over to spare.

In the Eliminator, Priority Titans defeated Manas Mavericks in a thrilling Super Over encounter. Batting first, Priority Titans piled up 199 for 5 in 20 overs, with Adeep Miskin scoring a quickfire 50 off 28 balls and Rijul Pathak adding 38. In response, Manas Mavericks matched the total at 199 for 9, thanks to half-centuries from Avishkar Mone and vital contributions from Sairaj Dhond and Pranav Biche, pushing the contest into a Super Over.

The Super Over drama saw Manas Mavericks lose both wickets without scoring a run. Priority Titans required just one run to win and secured victory off the very first ball, booking their place in Qualifier 2 against Baale Tigers. With high-intensity matches and dramatic finishes, the tournament at Panaji Gymkhana continues to deliver thrilling cricket action as the race to the title intensifies.

Sports

Priority Titans, Sherwin Shaw Falcons Register Convincing Wins in PGML 5.0


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

The PGML 5.0 League matches played at the Panjim Gymkhana ground on Saturday delivered a mix of closely contested and one-sided encounters, keeping cricket fans engaged throughout the day.


In the morning fixture, Priority Titans edged past Manas Mavericks by three wickets in a thrilling contest. Opting to bat first, Manas Mavericks put up a competitive total of 154 for six in their 20 overs. Avishkar Mone led the charge with an aggressive 44, supported by Vijay Nagarajanโ€™s 34 and an unbeaten 19 from Pranav Biche. For the Titans, Kiran Shirwaikar spearheaded the bowling attack with two wickets, applying pressure through disciplined spells.

In reply, Priority Titans recovered from an early wobble through a composed innings from Heramb Shankar Parab, who top-scored with a match-winning 54. Valuable contributions from Kiran Shirwaikar (23), Atharva (22) and Akshay Badami (21) ensured the chase stayed on track. The Titans reached the target in 18.4 overs, finishing at 155 for seven. Despite a standout bowling effort from Om Fadte, who claimed four wickets for 28 runs, Parab was named Player of the Match for his decisive knock.

The afternoon match saw Sherwin Shaw Falcons produce a dominant all-round performance against RC Goa. Batting first, RC Goa struggled to build momentum and were restricted to 125 for nine in their 20 overs. Aryan Mashelkar (38) and Paras Naik (34) offered some resistance, but consistent strikes from the Falconsโ€™ bowlers kept the scoring in check. Sazu Naik led the attack with three wickets, while Tunish Sawkar and Naresh Parsekar chipped in with two wickets each.

Chasing a modest target, Sherwin Shaw Falcons made light work of the task. Prajyot Rivonker scored a fluent 40, Gourav Desai added 37, and Tunish Sawkar remained unbeaten on 31 as the Falcons completed the chase in just 11.1 overs. Sawkarโ€™s all-round contribution earned him the Player of the Match award.

The results further intensified competition in the PGML 5.0 League, with teams showcasing both resilience and dominance as the tournament progresses.

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Bandodkar Family Visits Panjim Gymkhana, Praises Growth and Modernisation


Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

Panjim Gymkhana, one of Goaโ€™s most prominent sporting institutions, has witnessed remarkable development in recent years, evolving into a comprehensive hub for multiple sports, leisure activities and hospitality. Established over six decades ago by Goaโ€™s first Chief Minister Dayanand Bandodkar, the institution was originally conceived primarily as a cricket facility.


During a recent visit, family members of the late Dayanand Bandodkar, fondly known as Bhausaheb, including his daughter Kranti Rao and grandchildren Sameer Kakodkar and Yogesh Vengurlekar, toured the Panjim Gymkhana premises and expressed their delight at the progress and modernisation of the prestigious club.

The visit marked an emotional and symbolic moment, reflecting the fulfilment of Bhausahebโ€™s vision to create a world-class sporting facility in the heart of Panaji. The extensive upgrades now support a range of sports disciplines, training programmes, leisure activities and hospitality services, transforming Panjim Gymkhana into a vibrant centre for athletic excellence and community engagement.

President of Panjim Gymkhana, Manoj Caculo, along with members of the managing committee, briefed the visiting family members on the clubโ€™s enhanced sporting infrastructure, coaching facilities and athlete development initiatives. The delegation was informed about the institutionโ€™s continued focus on nurturing sporting talent and creating opportunities for young athletes across Goa.

While Panjim Gymkhana has diversified its offerings over the years, cricket remains a core focus area. With increased professionalism and expert guidance, the institution continues to prioritise the development of cricketers capable of representing Goa and India at higher levels.

The visit reaffirmed Panjim Gymkhanaโ€™s enduring legacy as a cornerstone of Goaโ€™s sporting culture and its commitment to carrying forward the founderโ€™s dream through sustained growth and excellence.