Tag: sport

Sports

FC Goa Offers Free Entry to Women for February 26 Clash Against Sporting Delhi

Tanisha Cardozo

FC Goa is set to celebrate its female fans in a grand gesture ahead of International Women’s Day 2026. For the match against Sporting Delhi on Thursday, February 26th at the Fatorda Stadium, entry will be completely free for women of all ages, across all stands. This initiative reflects FC Goa’s commitment to honoring the women who have passionately supported the club over the years and fostering an inclusive environment for football in the state.

Ravi Puskur, CEO of FC Goa, said the move is a way to thank women for their support and ensure the stadium feels welcoming and celebratory. “We hope this match becomes more than just a game—a shared evening where families come together, young girls see themselves as part of football’s future, and Fatorda reflects the inclusive spirit that football in Goa truly stands for,” he said.

The matchday will feature dedicated women-only entry lanes to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Loyal female season pass holders will also enjoy exclusive half-time on-pitch contests and activations. Special partner booths and giveaways will be set up around the stadium, enhancing the matchday experience for female attendees. Adding a special touch, young girl mascots will lead the starting XI for both teams onto the pitch, with fans invited to nominate participants through club social media contests.

This celebration continues FC Goa’s strong focus on promoting women’s football. The club has a history of fielding an FC Goa Women’s Team and nurturing grassroots talent through programs like the Little Gaurs League and FC Goa Football Schools, which train girls across multiple age groups and skill levels. The club is also actively supporting competitive local talent, training an U14 girls team for the GFA U14 Women’s League in partnership with St. Dominic Savio SC Calvin.

The February 26 match promises a day of celebration, community engagement, and inspiration, underscoring FC Goa’s ongoing efforts to make football inclusive, exciting, and empowering for women and girls across the state. Further details on free entry and matchday activities will be shared via FC Goa’s official social media channels.

Sports

Baale BPS Open 2026 Kicks Off Strong as Masters 45+ Players Shine

Tanisha Cardozo

The third edition of the Baale BPS Open 2026 got underway with an impressive display of skill and competitive spirit in the Masters 45+ Singles category at B.P.S. Sports Club in Margao. Veteran players set the tone early in the state-ranking tournament, delivering a series of decisive performances as they progressed through the opening rounds.

The tournament was inaugurated at the Margao venue in the presence of key dignitaries from the local tennis and sporting community, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting edition. From the outset, players showcased sharp form, with several dominant wins highlighting the opening day’s action. Sameer secured a commanding 6-0 victory over Anup, while Pankaj Naik mirrored that performance with a clinical win against Brian by the same margin. Kalyananaraman B advanced with a confident 6-2 win over Rohan L, and Marcus edged past Kedar in a closely fought contest, finishing 6-4. Ehrlick also progressed comfortably with a 6-0 victory over T Kulkarni.

The intensity continued into the second round, where Dimitry delivered a composed performance to defeat Sidharth S 6-2. Neville battled through a tight match against Sameer, eventually winning 7-5, while Kalyananaraman B maintained his strong run with a convincing 6-1 victory over Kishore. Marcus continued his steady form with a solid 6-3 win against Naveen, further underlining the competitive depth in the veterans’ category.

Supported by Baale Resort Goa and conducted under the aegis of the Goa State Tennis Association, the tournament has attracted a total of 197 entries across junior, open, and veterans’ categories. The growing participation reflects the tournament’s rising stature within Goa’s sporting calendar. This year’s edition has also introduced new veterans’ events, including the Masters 60+ Singles and Masters 100+ Doubles categories, expanding opportunities for senior players to compete at a structured level.

The tournament will run over 11 days at the B.P.S. Sports Club courts, with matches scheduled across multiple categories. As the competition progresses, players and spectators alike can expect more high-quality tennis and closely contested matches, reinforcing the event’s reputation as one of the state’s premier tennis tournaments.

Sports

2026 Winter Olympics: When the World Meets the Snow in Milano Cortina

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The story of the 2026 Winter Olympics begins in Italy, a country where sport, culture, history, and passion naturally intertwine. From 6 to 22 February 2026, the world will gather for the XXV Olympic Winter Games, officially known as Milano Cortina 2026, marking Italy’s return as a Winter Olympics host after the iconic Turin Games of 2006. This edition is unique not just for its scale, but for how it reimagines the Olympics across regions, generations, and landscapes.

Unlike traditional single-city hosts, Milano Cortina 2026 stretches across northern Italy, connecting the fashion capital Milan with the breathtaking alpine destinations of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Bormio, Livigno, Predazzo, Tesero, Anterselva, and Verona. This multi-venue model allows historic locations to shine while reducing the need for new construction, making sustainability a central pillar of the Games. Existing arenas, refurbished infrastructure, and temporary installations will host competitions, ensuring the Olympics leave a meaningful legacy without burdening the environment.

Athletes from over 90 nations are expected to compete across 16 disciplines and more than 100 medal events, covering classic winter sports like alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating, ski jumping, and bobsleigh. The Games will also continue the modern Olympic push toward youth engagement, innovation, and gender equality, with balanced participation and evolving formats that keep winter sports exciting and accessible.

Milan will serve as the heartbeat of the Games, hosting the Opening Ceremony at the iconic San Siro Stadium, a first for a Winter Olympics. The city will also host ice sports such as figure skating, speed skating, and ice hockey, blending elite athletic performance with a vibrant urban atmosphere. Cortina d’Ampezzo, known as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” will once again take center stage for alpine skiing, returning to Olympic glory 70 years after hosting the 1956 Winter Games. The Closing Ceremony will be held in Verona’s historic Arena, creating a poetic finale where ancient architecture meets modern sporting excellence.

Sustainability is not just a buzzword for Milano Cortina 2026 but a guiding principle. Organisers have committed to carbon-neutral operations, renewable energy use, eco-friendly transport, and responsible tourism practices. The Games aim to set a benchmark for future Olympic events by showing that global celebrations and environmental responsibility can coexist.

For fans, the 2026 Winter Olympics promise unforgettable moments — dramatic downhill races, razor-thin finishes on ice, emotional podium ceremonies, and stories of resilience that go far beyond medals. For athletes, it represents years of sacrifice condensed into seconds of performance. For viewers around the world, it’s an invitation to reconnect with the magic of winter sports, whether you’re watching from a snowy mountain town or a warm living room thousands of miles away.

As the Olympic flame prepares to light up Italy once again, Milano Cortina 2026 stands as a reminder of why the Olympics matter. It’s not just about who wins or loses, but about shared emotions, cultural exchange, and the powerful idea that the world can come together — even in the coldest of winters — to celebrate human potential. ❄️🏅

Sports

SFA’s Maiden IWL Qualification Marks a New Dawn for Goan Women’s Football: Armando Colaco

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The Sesa Football Academy Senior Women’s Team has created a landmark moment in Goan football by securing its first-ever qualification for the 9th Indian Women’s League. Their entry marks the return of a Goan team to the national stage after three years, and positions SFA among the only five Goan clubs to have ever competed in the prestigious league. Having already established themselves as the reigning Vedanta Women’s League champions, their commendable third-place finish in the IWL 2 set the foundation for qualification. With the Indian Arrows withdrawing, and through the persistent efforts of Dr. Caitano Fernandes, President of the Goa Football Association, SFA earned their place in the 16-team competition.

The achievement arrives at a promising time for women’s football in India, where the U17, U21, and senior national women’s teams have all qualified for the AFC Champions Cup. For Goa, SFA’s entry into the IWL opens a vital pathway for local players to gain exposure, visibility, and opportunity at the national level. Navin Jaju, CEO of Vedanta Sesa Goa, expressed pride in the team’s rapid progress, acknowledging that their journey serves as inspiration for many young athletes.

Dronacharya Awardee and former India and SFA coach Armando Colaco described the qualification as more than a sporting accomplishment. For him, it signals the revival of women’s football in Goa. He recalled a time when the women’s game had strong grassroots presence in the state, which gradually faded over the years. The recent successes of SFA, he believes, have reignited that lost momentum. Colaco praised the technical ability, discipline, and temperament of the young players, viewing this milestone as the beginning of a new phase for Goan football rather than a conclusion of past efforts.

Colaco also highlighted SFA’s important role in rebuilding a sustainable ecosystem for women’s football. He emphasized that women’s football must not be regarded as a benevolent side venture but as a high-performance sporting avenue deserving of strategic investment. In this journey, the continued support of Vedanta Sesa Goa has been instrumental in stabilizing and growing the women’s football structure in the state, particularly through their contributions to the Women’s League in Goa.

Looking ahead, Colaco believes that if SFA sustains its current momentum, it has the potential to become a national reference point for women’s football development. As the SFA Senior Women’s Team prepares to enter the IWL, expectations rise not just for their performance but for the broader impact they may have on Goan football. The moment, he says, belongs to the players, the academy, and to every young girl dreaming of pursuing football professionally. For him, this is not only a moment of qualification but a moment of revival—one that calls on the entire football community to support the SFA team in ushering in a true Goan sunrise.

Sports

Raahul V S Becomes India’s 91st Chess Grandmaster After Winning ASEAN Individual Championship

Tanisha Cardozo

India’s chess fraternity is celebrating a new milestone as Raahul V S becomes the nation’s 91st Grandmaster, following his outstanding victory at the ASEAN Individual Championship. Raahul clinched the title with a round to spare, showcasing remarkable skill, strategy, and composure throughout the tournament. His achievement marks another shining chapter in Bharat’s rapidly growing chess legacy.

Raahul’s journey to the Grandmaster title has been one of consistent dedication, discipline, and passion for the game. Over the years, he has demonstrated exceptional promise in national and international tournaments, steadily building his reputation as one of India’s brightest young chess talents. His victory at the ASEAN Championship not only earned him the coveted GM title but also reaffirmed India’s position as one of the world’s strongest chess nations.

Becoming a Grandmaster is a defining milestone for any chess player, representing mastery over one of the most intellectually demanding sports. Raahul’s success adds to India’s remarkable tally of chess achievements, following a golden era that has seen the rise of young prodigies continuing the legacy started by legends such as Viswanathan Anand.

The achievement is being celebrated across the Indian chess community, with fans and peers hailing Raahul’s performance as an inspiration to aspiring players across the country. His success story reflects the power of perseverance, mentorship, and India’s growing investment in nurturing chess at the grassroots level.

As the 91st Grandmaster of Bharat, Raahul V S embodies the nation’s rising dominance in the world of chess — a game that continues to capture the imagination of millions. With his latest triumph, he joins an elite league of minds who have carried India’s intellectual tradition onto the global stage.

Heartiest congratulations to Grandmaster Raahul V S — may this be just the beginning of a long and victorious journey ahead, inspiring generations of young players to make Bharat proud.