Tag: sports Goa

Sports

CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Inaugurates Francisco Monte Cruz Stand at Fatorda Stadium

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Fatorda, Goa | October 14, 2025 — Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the Francisco Monte Cruz Stand at the Jawaharlal Nehru Football Stadium, Fatorda, during the India vs Singapore AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier, marking yet another milestone in Goa’s celebrated football history.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Sports Minister Shri Ramesh Tawadkar, PWD Minister Shri Digambar Kamat, MLA Shri Vijai Sardesai, and other prominent personalities from the sports fraternity.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Pramod Sawant highlighted Goa’s long-standing love affair with football and emphasized the government’s continued commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure across the state. “This stand is not just a structure; it’s a tribute to our footballing spirit and a reflection of Goa’s dedication to nurturing talent and celebrating its sports legends,” he said.

The stand has been named in honor of Francisco Monte Cruz, a respected figure known for his significant contributions to Goan football. The gesture recognizes his legacy and passion for the sport, which has inspired generations of players and fans alike.

Sports Minister Shri Ramesh Tawadkar lauded the initiative, noting that the government’s efforts are aligned with making Goa a hub for international sports events. PWD Minister Shri Digambar Kamat and MLA Shri Vijai Sardesai also extended their congratulations, emphasizing the importance of preserving Goa’s football culture.

The grand event coincided with the thrilling India vs Singapore AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier, adding a special moment of pride and excitement for fans gathered at the stadium.

The newly inaugurated stand is expected to enhance the spectator experience and further solidify Fatorda Stadium’s reputation as one of India’s premier football venues.

With Goa continuing to play a central role in Indian football, the inauguration of the Francisco Monte Cruz Stand serves as a heartfelt reminder of the state’s passion, heritage, and commitment to the beautiful game.

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

Double Victory: Canacona College Secures Men’s & Women’s Titles at Goa University Cross Country Championship 2025-26

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Taleigao witnessed a thrilling display of endurance and determination at the Goa University Cross Country Championship 2025-26, where Shree Mallikarjun & Shri Chetan Manju Desai College, Canacona, achieved a historic double victory by winning both the Men’s and Women’s titles.

In the Men’s category, Canacona dominated the competition with a total of 26 points, leaving Quepem (55 points) and Pernem (63 points) trailing behind. Their consistent performance ensured top finishes across the lineup.

The Women’s team of Canacona matched the feat with equal brilliance, securing the title with 31 points. Navelim (41 points) and Quepem (44 points) put up strong performances but could not surpass Canacona’s depth and stamina.

This twin triumph underlines Canacona College’s excellence in athletics and their ability to nurture sporting talent. It also reflects the rising competitive spirit among student-athletes in Goa, as university-level sports continue to inspire and strengthen the next generation of champions.

The event, hosted in Taleigao, once again highlighted the significance of cross country as a test of endurance, teamwork, and mental strength—qualities that the Canacona teams showcased in abundance.

👏 With this double triumph, Canacona College has set a new benchmark in Goa University’s sporting history.

Sports

GFDC Celebrates 13 Years of Football Development in Goa

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The Goa Football Development Council (GFDC), established in 2012 to nurture football talent at the grassroots level, celebrated its 13th year on August 13, 2025, at the Athletic Stadium, Santacruz.

The special function began at 5:30 PM with a cake-cutting ceremony, graced by Chief Guest Secretary Sports, Shri. Santosh Sukhadeve, IAS, alongside Dr. Ajay Gaude, Director, Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs; Shri. Sumith Maheshwari, High Performance Director, Khelo India; Fransquinha Almeida, Member Secretary, GFDC; and other dignitaries.

The celebrations included spirited football matches between coaches and officials of GFDC, DSYA, and SAG, showcasing camaraderie and passion for the sport. Prizes were distributed by the Secretary Sports, acknowledging the contributions of participants and stakeholders.

Since its inception, GFDC has played a pivotal role in promoting football in Goa through grassroots programs, coaching clinics, youth leagues, and fitness assessments for coaches. Its initiatives have been instrumental in creating a sustainable ecosystem for football talent in the state.

Sports

Triple Crown Glory for Tanaji Sawant and Manjiri Moktali at Anil Paiginkar Memorial Masters Badminton Tournament

Tanisha Cardozo

Ponda, Goa | August 2025: Veteran athletes showcased skill, stamina, and spirit at the Anil Paiginkar Memorial State Badminton Ranking Tournament for Masters, held at Badminton Hall, Ponda, with standout performances by Tanaji Sawant and Manjiri Moktali, who claimed triple crowns each in their respective categories.

Tanaji Sawant dominated the Men’s Singles 70+, partnered with Pradeep Dhond to win the Men’s Doubles 70+, and clinched the Mixed Doubles 65+ with Roseline Bunyan.

Manjiri Moktali mirrored this achievement by winning the Women’s Singles 55+, teaming up with Vrushali Cardozo for the Women’s Doubles 55+, and sealing her triple in the Mixed Doubles 45+ with Kamlesh Kanji.

The tournament also celebrated double crown champions:

  • Cancio Mascarenhas (Men’s Singles 65+ & Men’s Doubles 65+ with Peter Tellis)
  • Vrushali Cardozo (Women’s Doubles 55+ & Mixed Doubles 55+ with Agnelo Da Cunha)
  • Rupchandra Humraskar (Men’s Singles 60+ & Mixed Doubles 60+ with Judy Braganza)
  • Kamlesh Kanji (Mixed Doubles 45+ & Men’s Doubles 45+)
  • Parag Chauhan (Men’s Singles 45+ & Men’s Doubles 45+)
  • Vineeta Adpaikar (Women’s Singles 45+ & Women’s Doubles 45+)
  • Ankush Patil (Men’s Singles 40+ & Men’s Doubles 40+ with Kunal Sanvordenkar)
  • Dhanya Balakrishnan (Women’s Singles 40+ & Women’s Doubles 40+ with Rashmi Jain)

Other age-group champions included:
Agnelo Da Cunha, Akshay Prabhu Ramdas Pandit, Archana Marya, Arnaldo Rodrigues, Ashok Menon, Austin Anthony Fernandes, Ayub C.K., Chinmay Fallary, Darwin Barreto, Hubert Saldanha, Juliana Colaco, Kapil Kanji, Louanne Almeida, Manju Khandeparker, Marina Albuquerque, Milagrina Mascarenhas, Navin Cardoz, Parteek Mahajan, Sandeep Fowkar, Supriya Pai Kuchelkar, and Wilfred Jacques.

The event served as a powerful reminder that age is no barrier when it comes to athletic excellence, with players across all categories putting on thrilling performances for fans and fellow competitors alike.