Tag: Sports

Sports

Goan Player Basappa Madar Named in Indian Squad for Inaugural Asian Legends Cup 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Rency Gomes, Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Goa’s veteran cricketer Basappa Madar has been selected to represent India in the inaugural Asian Legends Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from January 28 to February 4. His selection marks a proud moment for Goa, with Abhijit Kadam from Sangli also named in the Indian squad from the West Zone.

The Indian squad has been officially announced by the Board for Veteran Cricket in India, marking the launch of the first-ever Asia-level continental championship for cricketers aged 40 years and above. The tournament will feature six Asian nations — India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UAE, and Hong Kong — and is being seen as a landmark event for veteran cricket in the country.

Former India international Manpreet Gony has been appointed captain of the Indian team, with Jatin Saxena named vice-captain. The squad has been selected based on performances in recent inter-zonal veteran tournaments, bringing together experienced and consistent performers from across the country.

Reacting to the announcement, Vinod Phadke, President of the Goa Veteran Cricket Association and Secretary of the Board for Veteran Cricket in India, described the tournament as a historic step for the sport. He said the selection of Basappa Madar reflects the depth of talent within Goa and the West Zone and expressed confidence that the Indian team would perform strongly on the Asian stage.

Sudesh Prabhudesai, Secretary of the Goa Veteran Cricket Association, also welcomed the development, stating that it was encouraging to see a Goan player gain international exposure through veteran cricket. He added that the association’s sustained efforts and competitive leagues have helped provide players with the right platform to progress to higher levels.

Expressing his happiness, Basappa Madar said that representing India at an international veterans’ tournament was a dream come true and that he was proud to take Goa’s name onto the Asian stage. Abhijit Kadam echoed similar sentiments, calling the selection a great honour and a responsibility he looked forward to embracing.

The Asian Legends Cup 2026 is expected to give veteran cricket a new dimension, offering seasoned players the opportunity to compete at the highest continental level while celebrating the passion, experience, and enduring spirit of the game.

Sports

Gadre Gaspar Dias Open 2026 Records All-Time High with 555 Entries in 11th Edition

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Registrations for the Gadre Gaspar Dias Open 2026 have officially closed, with the tournament recording a record-breaking 555 entries ahead of its 11th edition, marking a significant milestone in its journey as one of Goa’s most prominent tennis events. Scheduled to be held from January 22 to February 1 at the iconic Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias in Miramar, the tournament continues to draw players across age groups and competitive levels.

Jointly organised by Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias and the Gadre Group in association with the Goa State Tennis Association, the tournament has once again witnessed strong participation across the Open, Junior and Masters categories. The 2026 edition is also notable for the introduction of the ladies’ doubles category for the first time, adding a new dimension to the competition.

The Open men’s singles category has attracted the highest participation with 111 entries, while the Open men’s doubles event has seen 37 pairs register. The Open ladies’ singles category has drawn 32 entries, with 14 pairs competing in the newly introduced ladies’ doubles. The Open mixed doubles segment has recorded 18 teams.

Junior participation has remained encouraging, with 25 players in the boys’ under-16 category and 14 in the girls’ under-16 event. In the under-12 division, 14 boys and five girls have registered, reflecting steady grassroots engagement in the sport.

The Masters segment has also recorded strong numbers, led by 70 entries in the 45+ men’s singles category, followed by 42 entries in the 60+ men’s singles and 30 entries in the 55+ men’s singles. In doubles, the 90+ men’s doubles category has emerged as the most subscribed with 60 teams, while the 110+ and 120+ doubles categories have recorded 43 and 32 teams respectively. The 35+ mixed doubles event has attracted eight teams.

Speaking on the occasion, Tanmay Kholkar, Secretary of Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, said the tournament holds special significance this year as it coincides with the centenary celebrations of the club. Goa State Tennis Association President Sameer Kakodkar noted that the rising participation reflects the growing confidence players have in the tournament as a reliable and competitive platform across age groups.

Arjun Gadre of the Gadre Group expressed satisfaction at the sustained interest in the event, stating that the continued growth of the tournament reinforces its relevance within Goa’s sporting landscape. With matches spread over eleven days, the Gadre Gaspar Dias Open 2026 is expected to deliver high-quality competition and continue its legacy as one of the most keenly followed tennis tournaments in the state.

Sports

Neha Tanwar Builds a Fearless Goa Unit Ahead of Senior Women’s One Day Trophy 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

With the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy scheduled from February 6 to February 28, 2026, Goa’s senior women’s cricket team is entering a demanding domestic season with renewed focus and belief. Under the guidance of head coach Neha Tanwar, the squad is preparing to compete against some of the strongest teams in Indian women’s cricket, including Delhi, Railways, Kerala and Punjab, with all matches set to be played in Ranchi.

Appointed in August 2025, Tanwar brings international and domestic playing experience into her coaching philosophy, which is rooted in preparation, process and mental strength. Since taking charge, she has been encouraged by the discipline, eagerness and raw potential within the Goa squad, noting a healthy mix of youth and experience.

The team’s preparation has followed a structured and process-driven approach, focusing on skill enhancement, fitness, match simulations and scenario-based training. Equal importance has been given to mental conditioning and role clarity, ensuring players are better equipped to handle pressure situations during matches.

According to Tanwar, while Goa’s players are technically capable, the key areas for growth lie in match awareness, consistency and decision-making under pressure. These aspects, she believes, are essential for translating skill into match-winning performances at the national level.

Looking ahead, her immediate goal is to build a fearless and competitive unit that can challenge stronger teams while also identifying players who can form the core of Goa’s women’s team in the years to come. She emphasizes that fitness, discipline and mental resilience are now non-negotiable at the senior level of women’s cricket.

Tanwar has also observed positive developments in women’s cricket in Goa, citing increased participation, better infrastructure and structured pathways as encouraging signs for the future. She credits the Goa Cricket Association for its consistent support, improved facilities and commitment to women’s cricket development.

The recent success of the Indian women’s team on the world stage has further inspired Goa’s players, reinforcing the belief that dreams are achievable regardless of background or geography. As the team prepares to step onto the national stage, Tanwar’s message to aspiring cricketers remains simple yet powerful — believe in yourself, stay disciplined, trust the process and never fear failure.

Sports

GCA Office Bearers Attend 21st Manorva Cup Final Prize Distribution in Chapora

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Goa Cricket Association President Mahesh Dessai and Secretary Tulsidas Shetye attended the prize distribution ceremony of the 21st All Goa Season Ball Cricket Tournament, popularly known as the Manorva Cup, organised by the Manorva Sports and Cultural Club at the Chapora Panchayat Ground. Their presence added significance to the concluding ceremony of one of Goa’s well-known local cricket tournaments.

Addressing the gathering, Mahesh Dessai, a former Ranji player, appreciated the efforts of the local MLA for initiating the development of a cricket ground in the area. He emphasised that proper infrastructure plays a vital role in strengthening cricket at the grassroots level and provides young players with the right environment to grow and excel. He also urged budding cricketers to remain disciplined, focused and committed to the sport.

Dessai highlighted the Goa Cricket Association’s ongoing initiatives to establish rural cricket centres across the state. These centres aim to identify talent from villages, nurture young players and offer them opportunities to progress to higher levels of competitive cricket.

GCA Secretary Tulsidas Shetye echoed similar sentiments and congratulated the organisers for successfully conducting the tournament. He noted that the Manorva Cup has consistently contributed to promoting cricket across Goa and encouraging participation at the community level.

In the final match, Mauli Sports Club, Nadora registered a dominant nine-wicket victory over Prestige 11. Batting first, Prestige 11 were bowled out for 136 runs in 19.3 overs. Mauli Sports Club chased the target comfortably, scoring 139 runs for the loss of just one wicket in 14.1 overs. Yogesh Kauthankar impressed with the ball for Mauli, claiming three wickets for 13 runs, while Sankalp Gawas remained unbeaten on 55 and Sachin Gawas scored an unbeaten 65 to seal a convincing win.

The successful conclusion of the 21st Manorva Cup once again underlined the importance of local tournaments in nurturing cricketing talent and sustaining the spirit of the game across Goa.

Sports

Faker Makes History: Esports Legend Awarded South Korea’s Cheongnyong Medal

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok has long stood at the pinnacle of competitive gaming, but his legacy has now reached far beyond the esports arena. Despite approaching thirty, an age when many professional players begin to fade, Faker secured yet another World Championship title—his sixth overall and third consecutive—continuing a level of dominance unmatched in esports history. Every one of his global triumphs has come while representing SKT1, now known as T1, cementing one of the most enduring partnerships in competitive sports.

In recognition of his extraordinary achievements, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung awarded Faker the prestigious Cheongnyong Medal, an honour traditionally reserved for athletes who elevate South Korea’s reputation through exceptional international performances. Established in 1972, the medal is awarded based on a point system earned through success in major global sporting events, with Olympic gold medals carrying the highest value. While the criteria were designed with traditional sports in mind, exceptions have been made for individuals whose impact transcends standard metrics, as seen when football star Son Heung-min received the medal after winning the Premier League Golden Boot.

Faker’s inclusion marks a historic first for esports and underscores South Korea’s deep respect for competitive gaming as a legitimate sporting discipline. His influence stretches far beyond League of Legends; he is a cultural icon whose name resonates even with those unfamiliar with the game itself. For many, Faker represents the very idea of esports excellence.

What makes his journey even more remarkable is his longevity. Despite injury concerns and the physical demands of elite competition, Faker continues to perform at the highest level. Signed with T1 until 2029, he is set to extend his career well into a fourth decade of life—an almost unheard-of feat in professional gaming. Alongside teammates Oner, Gumayusi, and Keria, he became the first player in history to win three consecutive World Championships, further separating himself from every competitor who came before.

As esports continues its rapid global rise, Faker’s contribution grows alongside it. He is no longer just a champion or a role model—he is synonymous with gaming itself. Many aspire to follow in his footsteps, some come close, but none have matched the consistency, influence, and greatness that define Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok.