Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk
Goa is celebrating two of its most extraordinary young athletes, Erica De Sequeira and Giovanna De Sequeira, who are taking the kickboxing world by storm. Triple gold medalist Erica and dual gold medalist Giovanna have left a remarkable mark at the Asmita events, showcasing lightning-fast reflexes, exceptional skill, and unyielding determination. Their victories not only highlight their personal excellence but also shine a spotlight on Goa as a nurturing ground for sporting talent.
These rising stars have earned the honor of representing Goa at the Khelo India Women Kickboxing West Zone Championship in Madhya Pradesh. Their journey to this stage is a testament to the power of dedication, discipline, and teamwork. Every punch, every kick, and every moment on the mat reflects countless hours of hard work, perseverance, and an unbreakable spirit.
Erica and Giovanna’s story goes beyond medals. They have become role models for young athletes, inspiring a generation to dream big and push boundaries in sports. Their achievements remind everyone that talent, when paired with relentless effort, can create remarkable success and leave a lasting legacy.
As these formidable kickboxers prepare to take on the national stage, Goa stands proudly behind them, cheering their every move. May their fists fly high, their kicks pack a punch, and their journey continue to motivate aspiring athletes for years to come.
Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk
Vinesh Phogat is officially returning to wrestling, reigniting her pursuit of an Olympic medal as she sets her sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The announcement comes months after her emotional retirement following the heartbreaking disqualification at the Paris Olympics, where her journey ended just moments before she was set to wrestle for gold. For one of India’s most decorated wrestlers, the Paris episode had been a devastating blow. A day earlier, she stunned the world by defeating Tokyo Olympic champion Yui Susaki in the 50kg category, a victory that positioned her as a strong favourite for the top podium finish. But on the morning of the final, she was found overweight during the official weigh-in and was disqualified as per the rules. She returned from her third Olympics empty-handed — a moment that left the wrestling community shocked and filled her with deep anguish, prompting her to announce her retirement.
On Friday, Phogat revealed through an emotional Instagram message that the flame inside her never truly went out. She wrote about stepping away from the pressure, expectations and the demands of constant performance. She spoke of allowing herself to breathe for the first time in years, reflecting on the highs, heartbreaks, sacrifices and the unseen struggles that shaped her journey. In that quiet space, she rediscovered her truth — that she still loves the sport and still wants to compete at the highest level.
Her return, she said, is not just for herself. Her son, she shared, is now her biggest motivation and will be by her side throughout her journey to LA28. For Phogat, that alone makes this comeback more meaningful than any previous chapter. At 31, she carries the experience of a three-time Olympian and a career filled with achievements: World Championships bronze medals in 2019 and 2022, a gold at the 2018 Asian Games, a bronze in 2014, three Commonwealth Games gold medals, and multiple podium finishes at the Asian Championships, including a gold in 2021. Yet the one medal that has eluded her is the Olympic medal — a dream she is determined to chase again.
Her journey has also been marked by courage beyond the mat. In 2023, Phogat, along with Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, led the protests against former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. After the Paris Olympics, she moved the Court of Arbitration for Sport against her disqualification, though the verdict did not favour her. She later entered politics, joined the Congress party, and won the Julana assembly constituency in the 2024 Haryana state elections. Even with the shift in her public life, the wrestling mat remained an unresolved part of her story.
Now, Vinesh Phogat steps back into competition with a renewed heart and a spirit that refuses to bow. Her comeback marks not just another attempt at the Olympics but a powerful reminder of resilience — that even after heartbreak, even after stepping away, a dream can still call you back. As she begins her road to LA28, India will be watching closely, cheering for the champion who has chosen to rise once again.
Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk
The 15th edition of the SKF Goa River Marathon is set to make history on Sunday, December 14, as Czech marathon legend Petra Pastorová arrives in Goa to lead the international field of runners. The event, taking place at Chicalim, has already created a buzz by registering a record 6,000 runners, making it the largest edition since the marathon began. Even more remarkable is the rising participation of women, who now make up 28 percent of the total runners — a significant milestone for the event and for distance running in Goa.
Petra Pastorová, a six-time national marathon champion from the Czech Republic, is widely regarded as one of the most consistent long-distance athletes in Europe. At 48, she continues to deliver exceptional performances, with a career-best timing of 2:36:44 hours set in 2013. She also clocked an impressive 2:42:45 earlier this year, proving she remains in top competitive form. Known for her endurance, Petra has completed a 50-kilometer run at the 2023 Hyderabad Masters as well as an ultradistance 100-kilometer run at the 2024 Bengaluru Masters. Her participation has drawn widespread attention, with many runners excited to share the course with an athlete of her stature. “This is the first time I have come to Goa and I am really looking forward to running the SKF Goa River Marathon,” she shared, expressing her enthusiasm ahead of race day.
The marathon is also seeing strong international participation, transforming it into one of the most globally diverse sporting events in the state. Among the foreign runners are participants from Russia, Australia, the United States, Israel, Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, and the Czech Republic. This multination turnout further elevates the profile of the event as runners from different cultures and training backgrounds unite for a single purpose — endurance and celebration.
This year, the marathon’s theme “Pace for Peace” carries a deeper message, symbolizing unity and hope at a time when several regions across the world continue to face conflict and unrest. The organisers believe that sport, and running in particular, has the power to connect communities, promote solidarity, and inspire positive messages through collective action.
The marathon has also embraced new technology to improve the event experience. For the first time, organisers will use AI-based image selection systems and dual bib-and-face detection to help runners easily identify their race photos. These digital tools are expected to make post-race media access faster, more accurate, and more personalised.
With just days to go, on-spot registrations remain open, giving last-minute entrants a chance to be part of this energetic and meaningful sporting celebration. The race day will see traffic restrictions from 3:30 am to 11:30 am between Chicalim junction and Cortalim junction, and between Cortalim junction and Sontrant junction under the flyover, with diversions in place. Airport-bound traffic will move via Verna, BITS, and MES College junction, while parking facilities for participants and media have been arranged at Regina Mundi School grounds via Dabolim Airport.
As the countdown begins, excitement is building across Goa’s running community. With a celebrated international champion leading the pack and thousands of runners coming together under the banner of peace, the 15th SKF Goa River Marathon promises to be an unforgettable event for athletes and spectators alike.
Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk
Goa witnessed a heartwarming sporting achievement as siblings Abhirvey Jagdale and Disha Jagdale brought pride to the state with their impressive performances at the 2025 Oceanman Open Water World Final Championship held in Dubai from December 5 to 7. Representing India on an international stage that featured participants from more than 90 countries, the young swimmers demonstrated remarkable determination and talent. Nine-year-old Abhirvey completed the challenging 500-meter swim, securing his finisher medal, while his elder sister Disha, aged 13, successfully finished the 2-kilometer event and earned her medal as well.
The brother-sister duo, who study at Kings High School in Sao Jose de Areal, have been celebrated by the local sporting community for their commitment, discipline, and strong performances. Their achievement highlights the growing strength of Goa’s young sporting talent and inspires more children across the state to pursue competitive swimming at higher levels.
A remarkable blend of faith, discipline, and athletic excellence was witnessed in Bhutan as Fr. Denis Dominic Joseph, a Catholic priest and Principal of St. Joseph Boys High School, Khadki, secured gold medals in powerlifting at the SBKF 12th International Games, held from 14–17 November 2025 at the Bhutan Olympic Stadium in Thimphu.
Fr. Denis began his powerlifting journey just two and a half years ago, driven by a desire to promote strength, fitness, and faith among the youth. His progress has been exceptional. In December 2024, he won a major title at the WRPF National Powerlifting Championship in Pune, marking a significant milestone in his athletic rise.
One of the most emotional and inspiring moments of the Bhutan championship came when Fr. Denis ascended the podium wearing his cassock, a medal resting upon it—fulfilling a long-held personal dream. He said this Jubilee Year stirred within him a deep calling to “revive medals on his cassock,” not for personal fame, but as a testament that priesthood and physical strength can coexist, and that faith strengthens discipline.
In an interview with Catholic Connect, he shared: “I offer this achievement to the Jubilee Year, and especially to our Priests and Religious Parents, whose prayers and sacrifices inspire me daily. On the international stage, I felt the grace of God and the support of our entire Church with me.”
Mother Mary — His Coach and Strength
Without a personal coach present in Bhutan, Fr. Denis entrusted himself entirely to Mother Mary, whom he called his “Coach, strength, protector, and everything.” He also expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and well-wishers who supported him throughout his journey.
During the competition, he wore a rosary around his neck—a sign of faith and spiritual strength he carried with him through every lift.
Currently serving as Assistant Parish Priest at Saint Ignatius Church, Khadki, Fr. Denis combines his pastoral duties with his role as Principal of St. Joseph Boys High School. His commitment to evangelising the youth through fitness and discipline continues to inspire many.
His victory in Bhutan stands as a powerful reminder that faith and physical excellence are not separate paths, but can beautifully complement each other.
