Tag: Sports

Events in Goa

Nominations Open: 13th Orchid Award for Women Achievers of Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is a land of culture, talent, and untold stories — especially those of women who are quietly yet powerfully shaping their communities, industries, and the future. Recognizing the need to bring such stories to light, the Orchid Group is proud to announce the 13th edition of the Orchid Award for Women Achievers of Goa.

This unique award ceremony is the first of its kind in the state and was introduced to celebrate women who embody excellence, resilience, and impact in their respective fields. From trailblazers in education and sports to changemakers in rural development and business, these awards are a tribute to the spirit of Goan women.

The categories for this year include: Education, Art & Culture, Sports, Social Work, Journalism, Business, Rural Development, Woman Achiever with Disability, Girl Child Prodigy, and the prestigious Life Time Achievement Award. Each category is crafted to ensure that a wide range of contributions and accomplishments are recognized and honoured.

Nominations are now open, and the invitation is extended to every corner of Goa. Whether you’re a woman who has made a mark or you know someone who deserves this recognition, now is the time to act. The Orchid Award is not just an accolade — it is a movement that aims to uplift, encourage, and inspire future generations of Goan women.

Celebrate the women who inspire us. Celebrate Goa. Nominate today.

Last date of nominations 05th November 2025

Sports

Goa Strengthens Sports Tourism with Goa Rugby 7s 2025 – Season 2

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa continues to raise the bar for sports tourism in India with the announcement of Goa Rugby 7s 2025 – Season 2, scheduled to take place on November 15 and 16 at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim. The tournament, which has become a major highlight in the country’s emerging rugby scene, is supported by the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, and organized in collaboration with the Crocotycles Rugby Foundation.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized the strategic importance of this tournament in diversifying Goa’s tourism offerings. “Goa is moving steadily towards becoming a premier sports tourism hub of India. Our support to tournaments like Goa Rugby 7s 2025 is a reflection of our vision to diversify Goa’s tourism offerings beyond beaches and nightlife. By nurturing such high-energy events, we are creating opportunities for our youth, boosting local communities, and showcasing Goa as a world-class destination for sports enthusiasts and travellers alike.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added that the event exemplifies Goa’s regenerative tourism approach. “The Department of Tourism is committed to developing an ecosystem where sports and tourism work hand in hand. Events like Goa Rugby 7s not only elevate Goa’s profile on the national and international sporting calendar but also align with our Regenerative Tourism approach by fostering local talent, supporting businesses, and ensuring sustainable visitor experiences.”

The collaboration with Crocotycles Rugby Foundation further highlights Goa’s intention to support niche and emerging sports. Rugby, a rapidly growing sport in India, is gaining momentum in Goa and offers an excellent platform for local athletes to showcase their skills at a national level. The tournament is expected to attract top teams from across India and potentially international entries, making it a significant event on Goa’s sporting calendar.

Goa’s scenic locations, modern infrastructure, and hospitable culture make it a perfect backdrop for such events. From marathons to triathlons and now rugby tournaments, the state is increasingly becoming a preferred venue for sporting events that align with sustainability and community development goals.

With Goa Rugby 7s 2025 – Season 2, the state reaffirms its commitment to promoting sports as a means of tourism diversification and youth engagement, positioning itself firmly as a leader in India’s sports tourism movement.

Sports

Nishad Kumar Creates History with First World Para Athletics Championships Gold in High Jump

Tanisha Cardozo

In a defining moment for Indian para-sports, Nishad Kumar clinched his maiden gold medal at the World Para Athletics Championships 2025 in New Delhi, winning the high jump T47 category. Known for his consistent top-tier performances, Nishad had long chased the top spot, finishing as runner-up at the Tokyo and Paris Paralympics and the last two World Championships. But on Friday, his dream turned into reality.

Looking calm and focused throughout, Nishad cleared all pre-set marks on his very first attempts. Once it was confirmed that he had secured gold, Nishad boldly went for a world record attempt at 2.18 meters. While he fell short of setting the record, the title was already his — a historic win for both him and the nation.

This victory was especially significant as he beat American high jumper Roderick Townsend, a three-time world and Paralympic champion. Townsend managed only one successful jump at 2.03m, finishing behind Turkey’s Abdullah Ilgaz, who took silver.

Reflecting on the moment, Nishad shared: “I have been waiting for this day for a year. I have been working very hard for this day. Today is the day. I have given my best. It’s God’s will. No one can stop me.” He added, “I already have silver medals. I have kept them on my rack. I haven’t seen them since. I had written in my diary that I will do it today.”

Nishad also called it a special personal milestone to beat Townsend for the first time: “It was a big achievement for me. I beat him for the first time in my life. I saw him for the first time in Rio 2016.”

Friday was doubly special for India as Simran Sharma also clinched her first World Championships gold in the T12 100m sprint. Clocking a personal best of 11.95 seconds, Simran added to her growing legacy, having won gold in the 200m at the last edition and a bronze at the 2024 Paralympics.

Together, Nishad and Simran’s victories mark a high point in India’s para-athletics journey, inspiring the next generation of athletes with resilience, skill, and a refusal to settle for anything less than gold.

Sports

India U17 Triumph Over Bangladesh in Dramatic Penalty Shootout to Claim Seventh SAFF U17 Championship Title

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

In an electrifying final at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo on September 27, 2025, the India U17 men’s national team emerged victorious in the SAFF U17 Championship, securing their seventh title after a dramatic penalty shootout against Bangladesh. The encounter was a thrilling showcase of youthful energy, resilience, and footballing skill, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

India started the match on a high note, asserting attacking dominance from the outset. Just four minutes into the game, a precise cross from Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam found Dallamuon Gangte, who confidently converted to give India an early lead. The Blue Colts maintained their momentum, creating numerous chances and controlling possession against a Bangladesh team that had kept clean sheets throughout the tournament. However, Bangladesh’s persistence paid off in the 24th minute when Md Manik rose highest to head in a close-range goal from a corner, leveling the score and reigniting their challenge.

India responded with determination and reclaimed the lead shortly before halftime. Azlaan Shah KH capitalized on a goalkeeper’s fumble in the 38th minute, slotting the ball home to put India ahead 2-1 going into the break. The second half saw a tactical shift as India adopted a more cautious approach, prioritizing defensive solidity while Bangladesh pushed forward aggressively. The visitors came close to equalising multiple times, hitting the woodwork and testing India’s goalkeeper Manashjyoti Baruah with long-range shots and set-piece opportunities.

The drama intensified in stoppage time when Bangladesh’s Ihsan Habib Riduan delivered a heart-stopping equaliser in the seventh minute of added time, forcing the match into a penalty shootout. The shootout tested nerves and composure, where India’s young players demonstrated remarkable calmness under pressure. Converting four penalties successfully, they held their nerve as Bangladesh faltered, sealing the victory.

This triumph marks the fifth SAFF title for coach Bibiano Fernandes, who earlier led the Indian U19 team to glory this year. The win underscores the effectiveness of India’s youth football programs and the promising talent rising through the ranks. The squad, captained by Denny Singh Wangkhem and featuring key performers such as Dallamuon Gangte, Azlaan Shah KH, and Lesvin Rebello, has set a high benchmark for future teams.

The celebratory moment was completed as Lesvin Rebello proudly lifted the SAFF U-17 Championship trophy alongside his teammates, symbolizing the collective effort and passion that drove India to this memorable victory. The Blue Colts’ success in Colombo reflects a bright future for Indian football on the South Asian stage and beyond.

Sports

Cheryl Reeve Blasts WNBA Officiating After Napheesa Collier Injury in Semifinal Loss

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve didn’t hold back following a controversial and emotionally charged Game 3 loss to the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA semifinals. The 84–76 defeat not only put the Lynx on the brink of elimination, trailing 2-1 in the best-of-five series—it also may have cost them their MVP-caliber forward Napheesa Collier.

Collier, who averaged 22.9 points this season and finished as the WNBA MVP runner-up, was injured late in the game after enduring a series of hard, seemingly unchecked physical plays by Phoenix. Reeve’s frustration reached a boiling point with just 23.8 seconds left, when Phoenix’s Alyssa Thomas made a no-call steal on Collier that ended in a game-sealing layup. Reeve stormed onto the court and was quickly ejected after receiving her second technical foul of the night.

Postgame, Reeve ripped into the officiating, the league, and its leadership in a rare, raw display of anger and concern.

“This is the look that our league wants, for some reason,” she said. “We were trying to play through it, we tried not to make excuses. One of the best players in the league shot zero free throws. Zero, and she had five fouls. Got her shoulder pulled out and finished the game with her leg being taken out, and probably has a fracture.”

Reeve didn’t stop there, calling the referee crew’s assignment to a semifinal game “malpractice” and criticizing the entire officiating selection process.

“I want to call for a change in leadership at the league level when it comes to officiating. It’s bad for the game,” she said.

Statistically, the disparity was clear. The Mercury attempted 22 free throws, converting 18. The Lynx only shot 11—making 10 of them. Despite her aggressive playstyle and involvement in several key collisions, Collier didn’t earn a single trip to the line.

The 29-year-old forward still managed to finish with 17 points and six rebounds before exiting in visible pain. Her status going forward is uncertain, though Reeve hinted the injury could be serious.

The Lynx will now face an elimination scenario in Game 4, with both their season and their star player’s health hanging in the balance. But win or lose, Reeve’s comments signal a broader reckoning coming for the WNBA—one that demands accountability not just on the court, but in the league office.