Tag: sports news Goa

Sports

Desserts N More Avengers, RC Goa Register Thrilling Wins in PGML 5.0

Tanisha Cardozo

Spectators at the Panaji Gymkhana ground were treated to two closely fought league encounters on Saturday in the ongoing PGML 5.0 tournament, with Desserts N More Avengers and RC Goa emerging victorious in nail-biting finishes.

In the morning match, Sun Estate Warriors won the toss and elected to bat but were restricted to 125 for 9 in their 20 overs. Mehank Dharwadkar stood firm with an unbeaten 48, while opener Devidas Kholkar chipped in with 31. Despite a steady start, regular wickets in the middle order curtailed the Warriors’ progress. Madar Basappa was the pick of the bowlers for Desserts N More Avengers, finishing with two wickets, while Ojas, Amod Borkar, Vikas Shetty and Muktiar Kadri claimed one wicket each.

Chasing 126, Desserts N More Avengers paced their innings carefully to reach 129 for 6 in 19.1 overs. Amod Borkar anchored the chase with a composed 50 off 42 deliveries. In the closing stages, Smit Dalvi and Suraj Hirani remained unbeaten to guide their side to a four-wicket win. Dhilan Shah was the standout bowler for Sun Estate Warriors with two wickets, while Rohit Rane picked up one.

The afternoon fixture saw Manas Mavericks post 128 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs after opting to bat. Ajinkya Kudtarkar top-scored with 38, supported by Avishkar Mone’s 21 and an unbeaten 18 from Raj Morajkar. RC Goa’s bowling attack shared the spoils, with Kushnab Ghai and Ramnath Gaonkar claiming two wickets each, while Aryan Mashelkar, Gauresh Khandeparkar and Vardhan Prabhu Misquin contributed with one wicket apiece.

RC Goa responded positively in their chase, reaching 134 for 7 in 19.3 overs to seal a three-wicket victory. Ramnath Gaonkar played a steady innings of 41, with valuable contributions from Aryan Mashelkar (21) and Paras Naik (20). The match swung decisively in the final overs as Gauresh Khandeparkar smashed a quick 18 off just five balls, remaining unbeaten alongside Dattesh Priolkar to take RC Goa home. For Manas Mavericks, Avishkar Mone and Om Fadte picked up two wickets each, while Ajinkya Kudtarkar claimed one.

With both matches delivering tense finishes, PGML 5.0 continues to live up to its reputation as one of Goa’s most competitive and entertaining local cricket tournaments.

Sports

Lawyer Challengers Crowned Advocates Cricket League 2025–26 Champions

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Lawyer Challengers produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Legal Titans by 45 runs and clinch the Advocates Cricket League (ACL) 2025–26 title in the grand final played at the GCA Academy Ground, Porvorim, on Saturday.

After winning the toss, Lawyer Challengers elected to bat first and posted an imposing total of 184 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings began on a shaky note as Dattaprasad Shirodkar and Rushab Sawaikar were dismissed early, leaving the team at 32 for 2. However, Swapnil Kambli and skipper Achit Shigwan steadied the innings with a crucial partnership to rebuild momentum.

Captain Achit Shigwan then led from the front, playing an aggressive yet composed knock. He reached his half-century in just 27 balls, smashing seven boundaries and two sixes. Vrusaj Talaulikar provided excellent support, and the duo added a vital 49-run stand that set the foundation for a formidable total. Talaulikar remained unbeaten on 53 off 34 balls, while Shailesh Redkar chipped in with a quick 27 not out to push the score beyond 180.

In response, Legal Titans faced early setbacks as Parag Veluskar and Iftikhar Agha struck in quick succession to remove the openers. Captain Pravin Gawas and Kyle Ticlo attempted a recovery with a brisk partnership, but once Ticlo was dismissed, the Titans lost momentum and wickets fell at regular intervals. The innings eventually folded for 139 in 19.1 overs, sealing a convincing victory for Lawyer Challengers.

The prize distribution ceremony was graced by High Court Judge Justice Ashwin Damodar Bhobe as the chief guest, along with District Judge Irshad Agha and senior advocates. Justice Bhobe praised the organisers for conducting a successful and well-contested tournament, highlighting the sporting spirit displayed throughout the season.

Tournament organiser Advocate Iftikhar Agha said the seventh edition of the ACL T-20 once again reflected the growing enthusiasm for cricket among the legal fraternity. Six teams participated in the tournament, which commenced on December 21, 2025, making the season competitive and memorable.

With standout performances throughout the tournament, Lawyer Challengers deservedly lifted the trophy, marking a fitting conclusion to another successful edition of the Advocates Cricket League.

Sports

Goa’s 17-Year-Old Harshita Yadav Shines in Senior Women’s T20; Named Player of the Match

allycaralgoa

In a remarkable display of skill and confidence, 17-year-old Harshita Yadav made Goa proud in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy Elite Group match held in Raipur.

Opening the innings for Goa, Harshita scored an impressive 58 runs, guiding her team to a strong total and securing a 71-run victory over Assam. Her match-winning performance earned her the Player of the Match award — a well-deserved recognition for her consistency and determination.

The Goa side showcased a commanding performance, both with the bat and the ball, ensuring a comfortable win and boosting their standing in the Elite Group.

Harshita’s success highlights the promising future of Goa’s women’s cricket, where young talents continue to emerge and make their mark on the national stage. Her innings was a blend of composure, technique, and fearless shot-making, inspiring many young cricketers across the state.

The match, held at Raipur, not only celebrated Goa’s dominance but also underscored the importance of nurturing youth talent in women’s sports.

— Reported by Allycaral | Connecting Global

Human Interest

Goa’s Amardeep Popkar Creates History at Bengaluru Bamboo Ultra

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In an extraordinary achievement, Goa Police officer Amardeep Popkar has carved his name into the history books by becoming the first Goan to complete the grueling 161 km Bamboo Ultra Marathon in Bengaluru.

Held on rugged terrain and testing every ounce of stamina, the Bamboo Ultra is considered one of India’s toughest endurance challenges. Popkar not only completed the marathon but did so in an impressive 30 hours and 32 minutes, securing the 2nd runner-up position in the Men’s 161KM category.

His feat is a remarkable demonstration of discipline, mental toughness, and resilience. Ultra marathons go far beyond ordinary running events, pushing athletes to their physical and psychological limits. For Popkar, this achievement is not only personal but also a source of pride for the entire state of Goa.

The accomplishment has been widely celebrated by fellow officers, the sports community, and Goans at large, marking a milestone moment in the state’s sporting history.

With this historic run, Amardeep Popkar has set a powerful example of endurance and determination, proving that with grit and dedication, no challenge is too great.

Social

Goan Duo Dominates Rotary Rain Run 2025: Suraj Velip and Swezial D’souza Clinch 21 km Victory

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, Goa – July 29, 2025: The monsoons didn’t stop the spirit of over 2,400 runners from across India who descended upon Goa for the 11th edition of the Rotary Rain Run 2025. In a remarkable show of athleticism and community spirit, Suraj Velip (30) and Swezial D’souza (22) clinched top honours in the 21-kilometre open event for men and women, respectively.

The prestigious event, flagged off at the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) Athletics Stadium, brought together participants from Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, and beyond. The event, organized annually by the Rotary Club of Porvorim in association with Rotary Parivar, serves a noble cause: the proceeds fund women’s health initiatives and education, including the Prakash Cancer Aid Project.

Velip, from Quepem, clocked an impressive 1:25:08, while D’souza, a student of St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, won the women’s race with a time of 1:49:27. “Crossing that finish line was an incredible feeling,” said Swezial. “This win is for everyone who believed in me.”

In the 10 km timed run, Hari Velip (36:46) and Line Shetty (1:00:24) took top positions. Additionally, around 20 para-athletes, including Niranjan Jadhav, joined the celebration of resilience and determination, completing either the 2 km walk or 10 km run.

Rain showers at key locations like All India Radio and Dempo Nilaya added to the festive monsoon atmosphere. The Indian Armed Forces, as always, lent their steadfast support, managing hydration booths, medical stations, and logistics with precision.

From live music performances by Lavina Soares, Zumba and yoga warmups, to a buzzing Kids Fun Zone, the Rotary Rain Run 2025 was not just a marathon – it was a celebration of community, inclusion, and purpose.

The event remains AIMS-certified, ensuring international standards and credibility in distance measurement. Every participant was awarded a medal, while top finishers took home trophies and, most importantly, pride and purpose.

Rotary Rain Run 2025 – Run with the Rains. Run with Purpose.