Sports

Goa Tourism Inspires the Next Generation of Cricketers through World Legends Pro T20 League Trophy Tour


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji, February 2, 2026: In a bid to inspire young talent and promote inclusive participation in sports, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in association with the World Legends Pro T20 League, organised a Trophy Tour and Player Interaction at the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) Ground in Porvorim.


The initiative aimed to motivate youth and women to actively engage in sports by offering meaningful interaction with legendary cricketers while highlighting the unifying power of sport. Aspiring sportspersons, students, and cricket enthusiasts gathered for an evening filled with inspiration, learning, and celebration.

The programme featured an interactive Q&A session where participants gained insights into the journeys, challenges, and experiences of professional cricketers. To further boost engagement, a fun quiz segment was conducted, with official merchandise and match tickets awarded to winners. The event concluded with a photo session, allowing attendees to capture memorable moments with the players and the World Legends Pro T20 League trophy.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted the transformative role of sports, stating that sports inspire confidence, resilience, leadership, and values such as teamwork, discipline, and inclusivity. He reaffirmed Goaโ€™s commitment to nurturing talent and creating opportunities for participation across all sections of society.

The event began with a warm welcome by the emcee, setting an inclusive and engaging tone for the evening. The Trophy Tour and Player Interaction formed part of the lead-up to the World Legends Pro T20 League matches in Goa and reflected the Department of Tourismโ€™s continued efforts to promote sports tourism while fostering empowering community-driven experiences.

Sports

Deepti Sharma: The Calm in Indiaโ€™s Storm and the Heart of a Historic World Cup Win


In the storm of high-pressure moments, Deepti Sharma is Indiaโ€™s calm โ€” steady, composed, and unshakeably resilient. Not just a cricketing star, she is also a proud Deputy Superintendent of Police in Uttar Pradesh, carrying both the India jersey and the police star with equal honour and pride.

Yesterday, as India created history by lifting their first-ever ICC Womenโ€™s Cricket World Cup, Deepti stood right at the heart of that glory โ€” named Player of the Tournament for her exceptional all-round performance. Her consistent contributions with both bat and ball turned tight moments into triumphs and inspired millions watching around the world.

As celebrations erupted across the nation, emotions overflowed in her home in Agra. Her mother, Sushila Sharma, holding back tears of joy, said, โ€œDeepti has fulfilled the dream of the entire nationโ€ฆ She has made India proud.โ€ It was a moment that captured the spirit of not just victory, but of perseverance, sacrifice, and love.

Born on 24 August 1997, Deeptiโ€™s journey began with one fateful throw at the age of eight that caught the attention of former India cricketer Hemlata Kala โ€” an instant that changed her life forever. Her brother, Sumit Sharma, became her first coach and guiding force. Leaving behind the comfort of a stable job, he dedicated himself fully to Deeptiโ€™s cricketing dream. Against all odds and in the face of constant societal skepticism, the Sharma family stood tall โ€” proving that belief can silence doubt and courage can conquer convention.

From her selection in the Uttar Pradesh state team at just 12 to making her international debut at 17, Deeptiโ€™s rise has been marked by relentless discipline and quiet determination. Over the years, she has become Indiaโ€™s crisis warrior โ€” the one who steps in when pressure peaks and delivers when it matters most.

Her heroics in the 2025 World Cup, both with the bat and ball, have now etched her name permanently in Indiaโ€™s cricketing history. Beyond the numbers, Deepti Sharmaโ€™s story is a celebration of patience, perseverance, and purpose โ€” a reminder that true champions are not born in comfort, but forged in courage.

Today, as both a World Cup champion and a DSP, Deepti stands as a symbol of discipline, service, and strength. She represents the new India โ€” one where women break boundaries, wear multiple hats with pride, and lead by example. Her story continues to inspire a generation to dream beyond limits and to rise, every time, with unwavering belief.

Entertainment

From Struggles to Stardom: 16-Year-Old Ilamparthy AR Becomes Indiaโ€™s 90th Chess Grandmaster โ™Ÿ๏ธโœจ


At the tender age of five, while most children were learning their first alphabets, Ilamparthy AR was already mastering chess strategies. Growing up in modest circumstances, his passion for the game saw him travel alone across cities, often marked by financial challenges at home.

Now, at just 16, Ilamparthy has made history by becoming Indiaโ€™s 90th Chess Grandmaster โ€” a feat that cements his place among the countryโ€™s brightest sporting minds.

His journey is a story of resilience and relentless pursuit of excellence. Each move on the board reflected his belief that intelligence thrives where determination meets opportunity.

As the chess world celebrates this young prodigy, Ilamparthy stands as a symbol of Indiaโ€™s emerging sporting spirit โ€” one that is bold, brilliant, and unstoppable. โ™Ÿ๏ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ