Tag: Sports

Human Interest

Marcus Stoinis Gets Engaged to Longtime Partner Sarah Czarnuch Off the Coast of Spain

Tanisha Cardozo

Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has taken a significant step off the field, getting engaged to his long-time partner Sarah Czarnuch in a romantic proposal off the coast of Spain. The couple, who have been together since 2021, shared the moment with the world through Sarah’s heartfelt Instagram post: “On a boat off the coast of Spain, I said the easiest yes of my life.” The engagement brought a beautiful blend of sports and fashion into the spotlight, drawing admiration from fans around the globe.

Sarah Czarnuch has built an impressive career of her own. A model who has worked with leading brands in Australia and internationally, she is also a fashion entrepreneur. Her design label, ‘SarahCzarnuch X Elliatt,’ showcases her modern, creative vision and has become known for its chic and contemporary collections. In addition, she lends her expertise to GT Magazine in Australia as a beauty columnist, where she shares tips on skincare, fashion trends, and lifestyle insights.

While Sarah has continued to grow her fashion and beauty footprint, Marcus Stoinis remains a key figure in international cricket. Earlier this year in February, Stoinis retired from One Day Internationals (ODIs) to focus on T20 cricket. His ODI career spanned 71 matches, beginning in 2015, during which he scored 1,495 runs at an average of 26.7 and a strike rate nearing 94. His standout performance came early in his career when he scored an unbeaten 146 against New Zealand. He also contributed with the ball, taking 48 wickets with best figures of 3 for 16, and was part of Australia’s victorious 2023 World Cup squad. In recognition of his contributions, he was named Australia’s ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2018-19.

In T20 internationals, Stoinis has proven himself to be a valuable asset. With 1,245 runs at an average of 31.92 and an explosive strike rate of 148.57, he has delivered match-winning performances for Australia. He has also claimed 45 wickets with a best of 4 for 23, reinforcing his all-rounder status.

The engagement of Marcus and Sarah marks a joyful new chapter in their journey together. Their story is one of shared success and mutual support, each thriving in their respective fields while nurturing a relationship away from the constant public gaze. From the cricket stadiums to the world of fashion and lifestyle, the couple continues to captivate — this time with a celebration of love.

EduConnect

Official Language Training Begins in Goa to Promote Konkani in Administration

Tanisha Cardozo

The Directorate of Official Languages, Government of Goa, has commenced its fourth batch of Official Language Training aimed at encouraging the use of Konkani in government administration. The inaugural session was held on 8 September 2025 at EDC, Panaji, and will run until 11 September. The training was inaugurated by Dr. Veena Kumar, Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, who served as the chief guest for the event.

In her address, Dr. Kumar emphasized the importance of one’s mother tongue and called upon government officials to not only understand its value but also to actively use it in administrative communication. “Everyone should be proud of their language and make maximum use of the official language in administration,” she stated.

The event was attended by Meghnath Parab, Director of Official Languages, along with Deputy Director and Chief Coordinator of the training, Anil Sawant. A total of 29 government employees are taking part in this particular batch.

The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Directorate to ensure the widespread and effective use of Konkani in government correspondence and operations. The training modules include instruction on the Konkani Official Language Act, fundamental grammar, and the use of the language in formal communication such as letters, orders, notifications, receipts, and note writing. Additionally, participants are introduced to commonly used administrative terms, departmental titles, and standard replies.

Earlier, three training batches were successfully conducted in August. For September, five more training sessions are planned across Panaji and Madgaon, with each batch accommodating up to 30 participants.

Meanwhile, organizers have announced a change in venue for the session scheduled from 9 to 12 September 2025. Originally set to take place at the District Collector’s Office in Madgaon, the training will now be conducted at the District Library in Naveli, Sasht. Participants have been requested to make a note of this update.

This initiative reflects the Government of Goa’s continued efforts to preserve and promote Konkani as the official language while modernizing administrative processes through language training and awareness.

Sports

Historic Win for FC Siolim in Inaugural Mansion House Football Cup

Tanisha Cardozo

In an unforgettable finale held under the Cuncolim floodlights, FC Siolim emerged as the first-ever champions of the All Goa Mansion House Football Cup 2025 after edging out Curtorim Gymkhana 6-3 in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. The match, played at the Government School Playground, ended 2-2 in regulation time before Siolim sealed the deal in the tiebreaker, writing their names into Goan football folklore.

The high-stakes contest began with Curtorim Gymkhana drawing first blood in the 12th minute, courtesy of a clinical finish by their talisman, Anslem Fernandes. But Siolim were quick to respond. Gaurav Vaigankar restored parity in the 25th minute with a thumping strike that energized the crowd and shifted momentum.

The first half saw near misses from both sides, but it was in the second half where the drama truly unfolded. Just minutes after the restart, Pushparaj Mandrekar gave Siolim the lead in the 45th minute with a sharp finish. However, the resilient Curtorim side came back once again through none other than Anslem Fernandes, who scored his second of the night in the 60th minute to make it 2-2.

With no breakthrough in the dying minutes, the match went to penalties, where Siolim held their nerve. Mayuresh Naik, Gaurav Vaigankar, Pushparaj Mandrekar, and Lavnay Shirodkar all confidently converted their spot-kicks. In contrast, Curtorim Gymkhana faltered under pressure, managing to score only once through Savio Peixoto.

The shootout triumph earned Siolim a winners’ purse of Rs 60,000 and the distinction of becoming the inaugural champions of the Mansion House Football Cup. Curtorim Gymkhana took home Rs 40,000 and the runners-up trophy.

Individual brilliance throughout the tournament was recognized with special honours. Mayuresh Naik of FC Siolim was awarded Best Player, Pushparaj Mandrekar received Best Striker, Videsh Sawant took Best Midfielder, while Curtorim’s Johnson Bhagat and James Fernandes won Best Goalkeeper and Best Defender, respectively.

The grand prize distribution ceremony featured prominent dignitaries including Sports Minister Dr Ramesh Tawadkar, Cuncolim MLA and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, Tilaknagar Industries State Head Vineet Kumar Bothra, Landry Mascarenhas, Fr Eremito Coutinho, Artemio Da Silva, Lavita Mascarenhas, Siddesh Kurade, Sailesh Vaidya, Angela Dias, and Melvin Costa. The event was compered by Vijay Kumar Kopre Dessai.

The historic evening closed with joyous scenes as Siolim’s players lifted the trophy to thunderous cheers from their traveling supporters. A celebration not just of victory, but of the growing vibrancy of grassroots football in Goa.

Sports

Goa Clinches Triple Bronze as West Zone Badminton Finals Conclude in Campal

Tanisha Cardozo

PANJIM: Hosts Goa concluded their campaign with a strong showing at the Yonex Sunrise West Zone Inter-State Badminton Championships 2025, securing bronze medals in the men’s, women’s, and junior boys’ team events. The tournament, held at the Indoor Stadium, Campal from August 30 to September 5, featured top talent from across western India and ended with Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh clinching the golds in various categories.

The men’s team final saw Maharashtra battle back after an early loss to defeat Chhattisgarh 3-1. Despite a rough start with Varun Kapur losing the opener, Maharashtra rallied behind solid wins from Darshan Pujari, the doubles team of Viplav and Viraj Kuvale, and a decisive victory by Sankalp Gurala.

In the women’s team final, Gujarat and Maharashtra delivered one of the tournament’s most exciting contests. After Gujarat gained an early 2-0 lead through strong performances by Tasnim Mir and Adita Rao, Maharashtra fought back to level the score. Ultimately, Gujarat’s pairing of Mir and Rao held steady to seal the win 3-2 in a dramatic decider.

Chhattisgarh dominated the junior boys’ team final, defeating a strong Maharashtra side 2-0. Rounak Chouhan led the charge with a thrilling win over India’s top U17 player, Dev Ruparelia, followed by a convincing doubles win by Divyansh Agrawal and Saurav Sahu.

In the junior girls’ team final, Maharashtra edged Chhattisgarh 2-1. After an early setback, Maharashtra’s duo Shravani Walekar and Taarini Suri levelled the score, paving the way for Prakriti Sharma’s gritty three-set victory in the decider.

Throughout the tournament, Goa’s home teams delivered consistent performances, earning them well-deserved bronze medals in three major categories. The championships were jointly organised by the Goa Badminton Association and the Sports Authority of Goa, showcasing the region’s emerging shuttlers and the growing popularity of badminton in the state.

From nail-biting rallies to breakthrough performances, the event reflected the rising standard of regional badminton. With such spirited displays, the future looks bright for both Goa’s young athletes and the broader West Zone badminton ecosystem.

Sports

Sports Quota Initiated a ‘Silver Lining’ for Goan Sportspersons

Closed Account

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

The Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, has once again brought attention to the implementation of a State-Level Sports Quota—a long-standing demand from the sporting community in Goa. Although such a quota has technically existed in policy since 2009, it was never fully operationalized. Recently, an attempt to implement its mid-admission cycle was halted by the Bombay High Court at Goa on procedural grounds. The Court noted that while the government may have good intentions, implementing such a significant change without amending the admission prospectus and adhering to a formal framework is legally invalid.

The development has reignited conversations among athletes, parents, and sports federations across the state. One of the most vocal advocates has been the Goa Badminton Association, which recently submitted an appeal to the Chief Minister. The letter highlighted that while Goa continues to build its sports culture—as seen in the successful hosting of the 37th National Games—it still lacks a formal quota system in professional education, something that states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Punjab have already implemented.

The appeal underlined the fact that a sports quota could dramatically change the future of athletes in Goa by offering them tangible educational benefits in return for their dedication and success. Professional degrees in fields like Medicine, Engineering, Dental, and Architecture are still out of reach for many sportspersons due to the lack of institutional support, despite their achievements at the national and international levels.

While this year’s admission process may not see immediate relief, the renewed political will signals hope for the future. For parents, a transparent and permanent policy creates confidence in allowing their children to pursue sports seriously. For students, it offers motivation to train harder, knowing that their efforts could one day lead not only to medals but also to secure academic pathways.

If the framework is soon formalized with clear guidelines, Goa could finally catch up with other states in recognizing the role of sports in nation-building and personal development. With the right execution, the Sports Quota could be the silver lining Goan sportspersons have been waiting for.