Tag: Sports

Sports

Baale BPS Open 2026 Kicks Off Strong as Masters 45+ Players Shine

Tanisha Cardozo

The third edition of the Baale BPS Open 2026 got underway with an impressive display of skill and competitive spirit in the Masters 45+ Singles category at B.P.S. Sports Club in Margao. Veteran players set the tone early in the state-ranking tournament, delivering a series of decisive performances as they progressed through the opening rounds.

The tournament was inaugurated at the Margao venue in the presence of key dignitaries from the local tennis and sporting community, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting edition. From the outset, players showcased sharp form, with several dominant wins highlighting the opening day’s action. Sameer secured a commanding 6-0 victory over Anup, while Pankaj Naik mirrored that performance with a clinical win against Brian by the same margin. Kalyananaraman B advanced with a confident 6-2 win over Rohan L, and Marcus edged past Kedar in a closely fought contest, finishing 6-4. Ehrlick also progressed comfortably with a 6-0 victory over T Kulkarni.

The intensity continued into the second round, where Dimitry delivered a composed performance to defeat Sidharth S 6-2. Neville battled through a tight match against Sameer, eventually winning 7-5, while Kalyananaraman B maintained his strong run with a convincing 6-1 victory over Kishore. Marcus continued his steady form with a solid 6-3 win against Naveen, further underlining the competitive depth in the veterans’ category.

Supported by Baale Resort Goa and conducted under the aegis of the Goa State Tennis Association, the tournament has attracted a total of 197 entries across junior, open, and veterans’ categories. The growing participation reflects the tournament’s rising stature within Goa’s sporting calendar. This year’s edition has also introduced new veterans’ events, including the Masters 60+ Singles and Masters 100+ Doubles categories, expanding opportunities for senior players to compete at a structured level.

The tournament will run over 11 days at the B.P.S. Sports Club courts, with matches scheduled across multiple categories. As the competition progresses, players and spectators alike can expect more high-quality tennis and closely contested matches, reinforcing the event’s reputation as one of the state’s premier tennis tournaments.

Sports

FC Goa Signs Indian Super Gaming League as Principal Sponsor for ISL 2025-26

Tanisha Cardozo

FC Goa have announced Indian Super Gaming League as the club’s Principal Sponsor for the 2025-26 Indian Super League season, marking a significant step in blending traditional sport with the rapidly growing esports ecosystem in India. As part of the agreement, ISGL will feature prominently on the front of FC Goa’s matchday kits, strengthening its visibility while aligning with one of Indian football’s most progressive clubs.

The partnership comes at a strategically aligned moment, with the timelines of the Indian Super League and the debut season of the Indian Super Gaming League running in sync. This alignment allows both entities to maximise engagement and build a shared narrative that connects football fans with the expanding gaming community across the country.

Beyond jersey branding, ISGL will have a strong presence across FC Goa’s digital platforms and branding initiatives, enabling the creation of engaging and interactive content that resonates with both sports and esports audiences. The collaboration aims to foster deeper connections between fans while opening new avenues for storytelling and community engagement.

The Indian Super Gaming League, an initiative by LetsGameNow, represents a focused push towards the growth and professionalisation of esports in India. With a structured format, diverse gaming titles, and a nationwide reach, the league is designed to identify, nurture, and elevate emerging gaming talent. Backed by extensive experience in organising gaming tournaments, LetsGameNow aims to position ISGL as a premier competitive platform, with its grand finale scheduled to take place in Mumbai on March 15.

Speaking on the partnership, FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur expressed enthusiasm about welcoming ISGL on board, noting that esports is gaining significant momentum in India and aligns with the club’s philosophy of grassroots development. He highlighted that both organisations share a common goal of creating structured opportunities for young talent, whether on the football pitch or in competitive gaming arenas.

Gautam Badalia, Co-Founder of LetsGameNow, emphasised that the collaboration reflects a natural extension of ISGL’s mission to provide credible platforms for aspiring players. He noted that FC Goa embodies the sporting aspirations of Goa’s youth and shares a commitment to building professional pathways for emerging talent. The partnership, he added, represents a strategic integration of traditional sports and esports, driven by discipline, ambition, and opportunity.

As part of its nationwide outreach, the league will host qualifying rounds across five cities, including Goa, where the event is scheduled for March 6 in association with FC Goa. The initiative offers aspiring gamers a chance to compete across multiple esports titles, reinforcing ISGL’s vision of empowering the next generation of players to perform confidently on both national and global stages.

TechPulse

Google Doodle Spotlights 2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Figure Skating Final inMilan

Tanisha Cardozo

The 2026 Winter Olympics men’s figure skating final has taken centre stage in global sporting conversations, and today even Google joined the excitement with a special Google Doodle highlighting the event. As the Winter Games unfold in Milan, the spotlight is firmly fixed on the Free Skate segment of the men’s individual competition — the decisive performance that will determine who stands atop the Olympic podium.

The final is being held at the Mediolanum Forum, where the atmosphere is electric and the margins are razor thin. After an intense short program earlier this week, the leaderboard remains incredibly tight. Ilia Malinin of the United States currently leads with a score of 108.16, but Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama is close behind at 103.07. France’s Adam Siao Him Fa follows with 102.55, keeping the pressure firmly on the top contenders. With such small gaps separating the top three, even the slightest misstep could dramatically alter the medal standings.

Malinin, famously nicknamed the “Quad God,” is widely recognised for his extraordinary technical ability, particularly his mastery of quadruple jumps. Reports suggest he may attempt as many as seven quads in his Free Skate routine — a bold and high-risk strategy rarely seen at this level of competition. If executed cleanly, the difficulty level could deliver a record-breaking score. However, under Olympic pressure, such risk also leaves little room for error.

Kagiyama, known for his precision, artistry, and composure, brings a different kind of strength to the ice. His performances blend technical excellence with smooth choreography and emotional storytelling, qualities that resonate strongly with judges and audiences alike. Adam Siao Him Fa remains equally dangerous in the standings, capable of delivering powerful and dynamic programs that can push him into medal contention if the leaders falter.

The international nature of the final adds to the drama, with skaters from Italy and Kazakhstan also positioned within the top five. This diversity reflects the global growth of figure skating and the competitive depth of the field at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Free Skate carries the highest scoring weight in the competition, meaning today’s performances will ultimately define the final podium.

Earlier in the Games, the United States edged out Japan by just one point to secure gold in the team figure skating event, intensifying the rivalry between the two skating powerhouses. That narrow victory has added an extra layer of anticipation to the men’s individual contest, where national pride and individual legacy are both on the line.

Figure skating remains one of the most captivating Olympic sports because it uniquely blends athleticism and artistry. Every jump, spin, and step sequence carries both technical value and emotional impact. Under the bright lights of Milan, these athletes must combine strength, grace, balance, and nerves of steel in a single routine that lasts only minutes but represents years of preparation.

By choosing to spotlight the men’s final, Google Doodle underscores the global fascination with this moment. The Free Skate is more than just a competition; it is a dramatic climax where risk meets reward and history can be rewritten in seconds. As fans tune in across the world through official broadcasters and streaming platforms, one thing is certain: when the music begins and blades carve into the ice, the fight for Olympic gold will be decided move by move, jump by jump, in one of the most thrilling finishes of the 2026 Winter Games.

Sports

2026 Winter Olympics: When the World Meets the Snow in Milano Cortina

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The story of the 2026 Winter Olympics begins in Italy, a country where sport, culture, history, and passion naturally intertwine. From 6 to 22 February 2026, the world will gather for the XXV Olympic Winter Games, officially known as Milano Cortina 2026, marking Italy’s return as a Winter Olympics host after the iconic Turin Games of 2006. This edition is unique not just for its scale, but for how it reimagines the Olympics across regions, generations, and landscapes.

Unlike traditional single-city hosts, Milano Cortina 2026 stretches across northern Italy, connecting the fashion capital Milan with the breathtaking alpine destinations of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Bormio, Livigno, Predazzo, Tesero, Anterselva, and Verona. This multi-venue model allows historic locations to shine while reducing the need for new construction, making sustainability a central pillar of the Games. Existing arenas, refurbished infrastructure, and temporary installations will host competitions, ensuring the Olympics leave a meaningful legacy without burdening the environment.

Athletes from over 90 nations are expected to compete across 16 disciplines and more than 100 medal events, covering classic winter sports like alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating, ski jumping, and bobsleigh. The Games will also continue the modern Olympic push toward youth engagement, innovation, and gender equality, with balanced participation and evolving formats that keep winter sports exciting and accessible.

Milan will serve as the heartbeat of the Games, hosting the Opening Ceremony at the iconic San Siro Stadium, a first for a Winter Olympics. The city will also host ice sports such as figure skating, speed skating, and ice hockey, blending elite athletic performance with a vibrant urban atmosphere. Cortina d’Ampezzo, known as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” will once again take center stage for alpine skiing, returning to Olympic glory 70 years after hosting the 1956 Winter Games. The Closing Ceremony will be held in Verona’s historic Arena, creating a poetic finale where ancient architecture meets modern sporting excellence.

Sustainability is not just a buzzword for Milano Cortina 2026 but a guiding principle. Organisers have committed to carbon-neutral operations, renewable energy use, eco-friendly transport, and responsible tourism practices. The Games aim to set a benchmark for future Olympic events by showing that global celebrations and environmental responsibility can coexist.

For fans, the 2026 Winter Olympics promise unforgettable moments — dramatic downhill races, razor-thin finishes on ice, emotional podium ceremonies, and stories of resilience that go far beyond medals. For athletes, it represents years of sacrifice condensed into seconds of performance. For viewers around the world, it’s an invitation to reconnect with the magic of winter sports, whether you’re watching from a snowy mountain town or a warm living room thousands of miles away.

As the Olympic flame prepares to light up Italy once again, Milano Cortina 2026 stands as a reminder of why the Olympics matter. It’s not just about who wins or loses, but about shared emotions, cultural exchange, and the powerful idea that the world can come together — even in the coldest of winters — to celebrate human potential. ❄️🏅

Sports

Asian Legend Cup 2026: India Clinch Title with Five-Wicket Win Over Bangladesh

Tanisha Cardozo

India Legends capped off a dominant campaign by lifting the Asian Legend Cup 2026 after registering a convincing five-wicket victory over Bangladesh Legends in the final at the BCA Ground in Thailand.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh Legends struggled to gain momentum against disciplined Indian bowling and were restricted to 123 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Najmuj Sadat top-scored with a measured 22, while Sadiqur Rahman chipped in with 21. Intyiaj Hossain’s brief knock of 21 showed promise, but regular wickets prevented Bangladesh from building any substantial partnerships.

India’s bowlers kept things tight from the outset. Kapil Rana and Kalim Khan were the standout performers, claiming two wickets each to dent Bangladesh’s top and middle order. Amardeep Sonkar impressed with an economical spell, conceding just six runs in three overs and picking up a wicket, while Goa’s Madar Basappa also chipped in with a crucial breakthrough. Sharp fielding further aided India’s cause, resulting in two run-outs.

Chasing a modest target of 124, India Legends endured an early wobble as Bhanu Seth, Narendra Meena and Kalim Khan departed cheaply. Former Bangladeshi international star Alok Kapali produced a spirited spell for Bangladesh, picking up four wickets and briefly tilting the contest in his side’s favour.

However, Deepak anchored the chase with a calm yet authoritative innings. Displaying excellent game awareness, he rotated the strike efficiently and punished loose deliveries, finishing unbeaten on 74. Skipper Jatin Saxena provided valuable support with an unflustered 21 not out, as the duo stitched together a decisive unbeaten partnership to steer India home in 18.4 overs.

Despite Bangladesh’s efforts with the ball, including Kapali’s four-wicket haul, the lack of runs on the board ultimately proved costly. India crossed the line comfortably, sparking celebrations in the camp and sealing the Asian Legend Cup 2026 title in style.