Tag: Sports Development Goa

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Bandodkar Family Visits Panjim Gymkhana, Praises Growth and Modernisation

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

Panjim Gymkhana, one of Goa’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 Goa’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 Bhausaheb’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 club’s enhanced sporting infrastructure, coaching facilities and athlete development initiatives. The delegation was informed about the institution’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 Gymkhana’s enduring legacy as a cornerstone of Goa’s sporting culture and its commitment to carrying forward the founder’s dream through sustained growth and excellence.

Sports

Rugby Emerges as a Powerful Tool for Youth Leadership and Community Bonding in Goa

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Panaji: Rugby is quickly gaining momentum across Goa, evolving into a transformative force that not only builds athleticism but also strengthens community ties and nurtures young leaders. As participation rises in schools and colleges, the sport is proving to be a unique platform for discipline, character-building, and unity.

Brandon Crasto, Founder of Goa 7s and President of the Crocotryles Rugby Foundation, highlighted how deeply rugby is influencing young Goans.
“There is a lot that rugby can do in terms of growing the sport in the community itself. Through the foundation, we visit 20–25 schools every season and reach more than 10,000 children annually. With international players and coaches, we showcase what rugby can unlock — from club-level opportunities to representing the country,” Crasto said.

He emphasised that rugby offers a valuable alternative for youth amid growing distractions.
“Rugby can do a lot for the future generation of Goa. The young generation is getting distracted by things like phones and vices; rugby provides an outlet to create future leaders, and develops them physically and mentally.”

Ryan Gaulstan, Training and Education Manager at Rugby India, underscored the importance of structured learning in advancing the sport.
“Training in education is a key vertical for Rugby India. Through this, we empower states and UTs to build their workforce of qualified coaches, medics, match officials, and strength trainers. That’s why we are in Goa — to empower the Crocotryles Foundation to strengthen rugby in their state.”

The international support for Goa’s rugby movement continues to grow.
During a two-week training stint in Goa, Michael Blatteis, Philippines 7s International Player from Cali, USA, praised the foundation’s efforts:
“You can see how these kids are raised with strong values. Introducing sports early builds natural leaders with teamwork and discipline. Whether or not they go far in rugby, they attempt something meaningful and grow as individuals.”

Global collaboration is also becoming a part of Goa’s rugby journey.
A symbolic jersey exchange took place between Crasto and Samaka Isaacs, ex-student of Oakhill College, Australia. Murry Fisher, Sports Headmaster, sent jerseys and socks in support of the foundation.
“This exchange symbolises community bonding and spreads the La Sallian spirit — solidarity, compassion, and sportsmanship,” Isaacs said. “Hopefully, we can build a partnership and bring a team down to Goa in the future.”

With growing participation, structured training, and international involvement, rugby is poised to become a major force in shaping Goa’s youth and uniting its communities.

Sports

Rugby Promoter Brandon Crasto Urges Goans to Experience the Thrill of Goa 7s, Says Rugby Is Rising Like MMA

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Rugby has been steadily gaining momentum in Goa, and the energy surrounding this year’s Goa 7s tournament shows just how far the sport has come. Brandon Crasto, Founder of Goa 7s and President of the Crocotryles Rugby Foundation, is calling on Goans to experience the thrill for themselves by attending at least one match. Drawing parallels to the meteoric rise of MMA, Crasto emphasized that rugby offers the same intensity, adrenaline and spectacle that modern audiences crave. Rugby 7s, he explained, is particularly captivating — a supersonic format marked by speed, open play and nonstop action. The Olympic format of the sport, it offers newcomers an unforgettable first impression and has been Goa’s primary competitive format at the national level since 2014–2015.

Tournament Director Kartik Menda echoed Crasto’s sentiments, describing rugby as one of the most dynamic sports to watch. With just seven players per team on a large field, the pace of the game increases dramatically, allowing for explosive sprints, sweeping runs and constant movement across the pitch. For those who have never watched the sport live, he said, just one match is enough to get hooked. The appeal of rugby lies not only in its intensity but in its vibrant atmosphere — the sound of the crowd, the speed of play and the raw athleticism on display.

Brandon Crasto also shared his personal journey, expressing his dream of making rugby a mainstream sport in Goa. Having represented Goa as a national player for eight years, he credits the sport with shaping his character and identity. Rugby, he said, instilled in him values, discipline and a global perspective that helped him grow mentally and physically. Promoting the sport is his way of giving back to both the community and the game that has driven his personal growth. His efforts are now being supported by Rugby India, further strengthening the ecosystem.

Ryan Gaulstan of Rugby India, who is also serving as the Match Commissioner for Goa 7s, highlighted the organization’s commitment to building rugby’s foundation in the state. He is in Goa to conduct World Rugby-certified courses in areas including medical support and match officiating. These programs aim to equip Goa with a trained workforce of officials, medics and coaches — essential components for developing the sport sustainably at the grassroots and competitive levels.

As the Goa 7s tournament continues, the growing enthusiasm around the sport signals a promising future for rugby in the state. With passionate promoters, strong institutional backing and rising public interest, rugby in Goa is gearing up for its next big leap.