Tag: SAG Goa

Sports

Goa Sends 35 Athletes to 14th National Modern Pentathlon Biathle & Triathle Championship

Tanisha Cardozo

A 35-member strong team of athletes from the Modern Pentathlon Association of Goa (MPAG) is all set to represent the state at the 14th Modern Pentathlon Biathle & Triathle National Championship, scheduled to take place in Indore, Madhya Pradesh from October 4 to 7, 2025. The contingent includes participants from various age categories who have been rigorously training under experienced coaches to compete at the national level.

To mark the occasion, a formal farewell ceremony was held today at the DSYA office in Panaji. The event was graced by key officials including Shri. Sanjiv Gadkar (IAS), Secretary, Government of Goa, Dr. Ajay Gaude, Director of Sports & Executive Director of SAG, Smt. Sandhya Paliekar, Secretary, MPAG, Shri. Virendra Majik, Convenor, MPAG, and coaching staff Shri. Kirtan Vaiz, Shri. Alok Kothambikar, and Coach Nikita Naik. Managers Ishita Paliekar and Filda Eldro will accompany the team to the national event.

The event saw dignitaries offering their best wishes to the athletes, encouraging them to showcase their dedication, sportsmanship, and team spirit. They lauded the efforts of MPAG in nurturing young talent and promoting the modern pentathlon disciplines—particularly biathle and triathle, which combine swimming, running, and shooting in a dynamic sporting format.

The participation in this national championship is a significant opportunity for Goan athletes to shine on the national stage, gain exposure, and further develop their skills. It also reflects the growing prominence of modern pentathlon as a competitive sport in Goa and the efforts being made at grassroots and state levels to support and grow this discipline.

Team Goa departs with the support and blessings of the state’s sports leadership, carrying the hopes of a proud sporting community.

Sports

Shuttlers Bring the Heat at Goa State Badminton Ranking Tournament 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa State Badminton Ranking Tournament 2025 concluded with a series of electrifying performances at the Indoor Stadium, Campal, Panaji. Organized by Panjim Badminton Club and Panaji Krida Sankul under the aegis of the Goa Badminton Association and in collaboration with the North Goa District Badminton Association and the Sports Authority of Goa, the tournament witnessed top-level badminton action in the U15 and U17 age groups.

Among the standout performers were Advait Balakrishnan, Ritika Chelluri, and Sparsh Kolwalkar, each of whom claimed double titles. In the fiercely contested singles events, Mohammed Umar Shaikh showcased his grit and resilience in the Boys U15 final, fighting back after a first-game loss to defeat Sparsh Kolwalkar 14-21, 21-13, 21-15. In the Girls U15 final, Anaya Kamat put in a dominant display against the third seed Pragya Audi to win 21-16, 21-17. Aarush Pawaskar, the top seed in Boys U17, delivered a clinical performance in the final, cruising past Devansh Sakpal 21-15, 21-10. Ritika Chelluri triumphed in a tough three-game Girls U17 final against Sufiya Shaikh with scores of 21-19, 9-21, 21-15.

Doubles action brought with it plenty of drama and thrilling finishes. In the Boys U15 doubles, Arnav Saraf and Sparsh Kolwalkar overpowered Atharv Sadaye and Shaan C K with a 21-12, 21-13 victory. Girls U15 doubles saw Avni Khyalia and Palak Ramnathkar defeat Aaryaa Metry and Anaya Kamat 21-19, 21-15. Sparsh returned to the court with Aaryaa Metry in the U15 mixed doubles final to secure a second title in a gripping three-game encounter against Arnav Saraf and Niharika Parwar, winning 9-21, 24-22, 21-17.

Advait Balakrishnan’s brilliance continued in the U17 category as he teamed up with Vansh Khedkar to beat Aarush Pawaskar and Owais Tahasildar in the Boys U17 doubles final, 16-21, 21-10, 21-13. Advait then partnered Ritika Chelluri in the mixed doubles final and defeated Vansh and Sufiya in another thrilling three-setter, 19-21, 21-10, 21-19. The Girls U17 doubles final brought the tournament to a dramatic close, with Shivanjali Thite and Sufiya Shaikh edging past Dimple Revankar and Ritika Chelluri 20-22, 21-16, 21-19.

The event not only highlighted the immense talent pool in Goa’s badminton scene but also reflected the dedication of organizers, associations, and coaching teams in fostering competitive spirit and excellence in youth sports.