The Goa Sports Council of the Deaf (GSCD), in collaboration with Rudhra Sports Club, Comba-Margao, hosted the 6th All Goa Deaf Football Tournament at Fatorda-Margao. In an exciting final, North Goa triumphed over South Goa with a decisive 3-0 victory, reaffirming their dominance in the local deaf football circuit. Individual excellence was also celebrated, with Sanjil Parab winning Best Goal, Nitin Sonshikar securing the Golden Boot, and Kalpesh Ghadi being named Best Goalkeeper.
Gracing the event were key dignitaries including Vivekanand R. Tambi (TSO/Quepem), John Justine Fernandes (Executive Committee Member, AISCD), Prasad Joshi (General Secretary, GSCD), and the GSCD Board Members. Their presence underscored the growing importance and recognition of inclusive sports platforms in the state.
The tournament wasn’t just about accolades—it served as a critical scouting opportunity ahead of the upcoming National Football Championship for the Deaf (Junior Boys category), scheduled for October 9–12, 2025. In a historic first, Goa will host this national-level event at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim. Organised by GSCD and Rudhra Sports Club under the aegis of the All India Sports Council of the Deaf (AISCD), the event is being supported by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Government of Goa, as part of the International Purple Feast, in collaboration with the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.
This moment marks a major milestone in GSCD’s 28-year journey, as the organisation steps into the national spotlight as a host for the first time. Adding to Goa’s growing pride in the sports arena, local swimming talent Aahil Sheikh has been selected to represent India at the Deaflympics 2025 in Tokyo, which will take place from November 15–26. Aahil’s selection signals the rising wave of deaf athletes from the state making their mark on international platforms.
As Goa prepares to host the nation and send its best abroad, the message is clear: inclusivity in sports is no longer a footnote—it’s center stage.
On August 31, 2025, a football field in the quiet Swiss village of Magglingen transformed into a sea of red, white, and yellow—each jersey representing a chapter in the history of Liverpool Football Club. The reason? A lifelong Liverpool fan, Florian Thürler, chose to celebrate his 60th birthday in the most unforgettable way possible—by unveiling his record-breaking collection of 1,047 Liverpool FC jerseys, earning him a spot in the Guinness World Records.
Florian Thürler’s love for Liverpool spans more than five decades, and this dedication is now enshrined in football history. His collection includes kits dating back to the 1950s, spanning eras from Shankly and Dalglish to Klopp and Salah. Displayed meticulously on the pitch, the jerseys formed a living timeline of the club’s iconic evolution—each one a symbol of moments that defined generations of fans.
A former striker for Swiss club Young Boys, Thürler’s passion for football goes beyond admiration—it’s deeply personal. As reported by Swiss publication 20 Minuten, Thürler views each shirt as more than fabric; to him, every jersey “tells a story”—whether it’s about triumph in the European Cup during the ’70s or the brilliance of Mohamed Salah in recent years. “When you support a club like this, it’s for life,” Thürler told the publication.
The display drew attention from local Swiss media and global football fanatics alike. Social media buzzed with admiration, while Liverpool fans across continents shared photos and memories inspired by Thürler’s effort. For many, this wasn’t just a Guinness World Record—it was a tribute to the kind of love only true fans understand.
While jersey collectors are common in football culture, what sets Thürler apart is the scale and consistency of his devotion to a single club. In a world of shifting loyalties and club-hopping, Florian’s lifelong commitment to Liverpool is both rare and remarkable.
From a pitch in Switzerland to the record books of the world, Florian Thürler has proven that fandom isn’t measured in chants or cheers alone—it can be stitched into every thread of a jersey, worn proudly, and remembered forever.
PANJIM: Hosts Goa concluded their campaign with a strong showing at the Yonex Sunrise West Zone Inter-State Badminton Championships 2025, securing bronze medals in the men’s, women’s, and junior boys’ team events. The tournament, held at the Indoor Stadium, Campal from August 30 to September 5, featured top talent from across western India and ended with Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh clinching the golds in various categories.
The men’s team final saw Maharashtra battle back after an early loss to defeat Chhattisgarh 3-1. Despite a rough start with Varun Kapur losing the opener, Maharashtra rallied behind solid wins from Darshan Pujari, the doubles team of Viplav and Viraj Kuvale, and a decisive victory by Sankalp Gurala.
In the women’s team final, Gujarat and Maharashtra delivered one of the tournament’s most exciting contests. After Gujarat gained an early 2-0 lead through strong performances by Tasnim Mir and Adita Rao, Maharashtra fought back to level the score. Ultimately, Gujarat’s pairing of Mir and Rao held steady to seal the win 3-2 in a dramatic decider.
Chhattisgarh dominated the junior boys’ team final, defeating a strong Maharashtra side 2-0. Rounak Chouhan led the charge with a thrilling win over India’s top U17 player, Dev Ruparelia, followed by a convincing doubles win by Divyansh Agrawal and Saurav Sahu.
In the junior girls’ team final, Maharashtra edged Chhattisgarh 2-1. After an early setback, Maharashtra’s duo Shravani Walekar and Taarini Suri levelled the score, paving the way for Prakriti Sharma’s gritty three-set victory in the decider.
Throughout the tournament, Goa’s home teams delivered consistent performances, earning them well-deserved bronze medals in three major categories. The championships were jointly organised by the Goa Badminton Association and the Sports Authority of Goa, showcasing the region’s emerging shuttlers and the growing popularity of badminton in the state.
From nail-biting rallies to breakthrough performances, the event reflected the rising standard of regional badminton. With such spirited displays, the future looks bright for both Goa’s young athletes and the broader West Zone badminton ecosystem.
Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral
New York, August 27, 2025: When tennis meets runway fashion, Naomi Osaka leads the way. The four-time Grand Slam champion made a bold style statement as she walked onto the court for her first-round match at the US Open 2025, wearing a striking red glittering floral outfit that instantly set social media abuzz.
The 27-year-old Japanese star paired her vibrant red ensemble with a black-and-red athletic kit and topped off the look with a perfectly braided hairstyle that matched the red tones of her outfit. Her look is already being dubbed the “sportswear look of the tournament” by fans and fashion critics alike.
“I’m not going to lie about it—it’s definitely the best look I’ve had for the day,” Osaka told courtside reporters. “It’s sporty, it’s fun, and it feels like me.”
Osaka’s outfit, which blends traditional floral elements with a modern, athletic edge, was designed in collaboration with her long-standing athletic wear partner. Her confident entrance onto the court was met with a cheer from fans in the stands and online, many of whom took to social media to praise her unapologetic style and presence.
Osaka’s commitment to self-expression has long been a part of her identity. From mental health advocacy to cultural representation, the tennis star has used every platform—on and off the court—to make an impact. Her bold look at the US Open continues that trend, blending sport, identity, and self-expression into one glittering moment.
Naomi Osaka’s return to the Grand Slam stage saw her matched up against Belgian player Greet Minnen in the first round. While fans focused on her return to competition, they were equally captivated by her commanding presence in this iconic outfit.
In the world of cricket, where early success often defines legacy, Ambey Parwatkar’s story is a rare outlier — shaped by struggle, molded by mentors, and crowned with perseverance.
His is not a tale of overnight fame or flashy leagues. It’s the story of a man who carried his kit across 21 countries, made a mark in every corner, and kept performing long after others hung up their boots.
In an era where cricket careers are often short and commercialized, Ambey’s journey reminds us that there’s still room in the sport for grit, purpose, and loyalty to the game itself.
Ambey first tasted competitive cricket at the age of 13, representing his school and a team called Tadmad CC, captained then by the current Education Director Shailesh Zungde. In his debut match against the Maharashtra MSFC — a corporate government team — he made an immediate impact by taking four wickets and winning the Man of the Match award in the GCA B Division. It was a bold beginning, one that hinted at a spark destined to burn far longer than most.
The Long Road to Ranji
While many cricketers peak in their 20s, Ambey’s first-class debut came at the age of 36. After 23 years of playing the sport at multiple levels and being part of squads for four different state teams, he finally got his Ranji Trophy break for Goa — at Dharmashala, against Himachal Pradesh. Goa not only won the match but also qualified for the 2008 knockouts.
“I was in the squad for 16 matches and only got to play once,” he reflects. That one game, however, was a personal triumph, symbolic of years of unwavering persistence.
Mentors Who Built the Cricketer
His growth in cricket is owed to a constellation of mentors: Chandrakant Chede laid the foundations in Goa; Mohinder Singh Bedi guided the U-17 team to a championship; and Rakesh Rawat instilled discipline in fitness and fielding. Later, in Mumbai, he trained under Late V.S. Patil and Late Vasu Paraspe (whose academy Ambey now runs in Goa). Other major influences included Ramakant Desai, Dilip Sardesai, Sandeep Patil, Praveen Amre, Zubin Barucha, and Jatin Paraspe.
Internationally, he honed his skills under Malcolm Marshall and Omar Henry in South Africa, and with Madanlal, Ali Anwar, and Mushtaq Mohammed in Dubai. He represented Yogi Group and Sharjah Club with distinction.
He was continuously supported by individuals like Sharad Pednekar, Luchi Velji, Sanjay Katkar, Late Nagraj Sir, Chetan Desai, and Dayanand Narvekar in Goa. His family, especially his father (a photographer), his brother, his wife, and his mother, were integral to his stability and focus.
Ambey credits Shivaji Maharaj as his lifelong role model, with sporting inspirations including Muhammad Ali, Andre Agassi, Steve Waugh, and Ravi Shastri. Cricketers like Mohinder Amarnath and Kapil Dev also left a deep impact.
Milestones That Matter
Across his decades-long journey, Ambey’s career has been filled with standout moments, including:
Winning the U-17 Vijay Hazare Trophy with Goa — a tournament that changed his and his teammates’ careers.
A spectacular 9-wicket match haul (7 in the first innings, 2 in the second) against Andhra Pradesh in the U-23 circuit.
Receiving his Ranji debut cap from Dodda Ganesh in 2008.
Leading Yogi Group to victory against Afghanistan Wings, with match-winning figures of 4-1-12-3.
Becoming the most economical bowler in 50+ cricket following the 2025 Sri Lanka World Cup.
Ranking 12th globally in the MVP list at the 2023 50+ World Cup in South Africa.
Earning four consecutive Man of the Match awards in Sharjah’s Champions Trophy, defeating UAE’s top teams.
Cricket Without Borders
Ambey’s most unique achievement? Playing in 21 countries, starting over in each with no entitlement, no shortcuts — just performances.
Whether it was Mumbai, Dubai, South Africa, or England, he had to prove himself again and again. “I never carried my name. I carried my performances,” he says.
This recurring “restart” — across cultures, conditions, and teams — became both his biggest challenge and his greatest strength.
Cricket in the Age of Technology
Ambey is candid about the evolution of the sport. While he acknowledges the value of biomechanics and tech in cricket, he’s concerned about the erosion of the sport’s deeper spirit.
“You can learn technique. You can’t teach heart,” he says.
His Message to Young Cricketers
Ambey urges young players to look beyond fame or league contracts.
“Don’t play just for the IPL or international stardom. Learn cricket. Live cricket. Be Dedicated, Determined, and Disciplined — the 3 D’s. Master the game in all its forms. And always give more than 100%.”
A Life Beyond Cricket
Away from cricket, Ambey is a man of many interests — a traveler, drummer, beach swimmer, and someone deeply engaged with Goa’s social initiatives. He values time with his family, thrives on routine, and firmly believes in “doing things his way.”
A Legacy Still in Motion
At 50+, Ambey Parwatkar continues to compete and lead. More importantly, he continues to inspire.
In a game that often forgets late bloomers and quiet fighters, he stands tall as a reminder that there is no expiry date on passion. He’s not just a cricketer. He’s a student, a mentor, a global ambassador of the game’s enduring soul.
