Tag: Sports

Sports

Blind Goa Cricket Makes History, Finishes 9th at 8th Nagesh Trophy National Tournament

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

A new and inspiring chapter was written in Goa’s sporting history as the Goa Blind Cricket Team secured a place among the top 10 teams in the country at the 8th Nagesh Trophy National Blind Cricket Tournament. Finishing 9th among teams representing over 28 states, the achievement highlighted not only cricketing skill but also extraordinary resilience and self-belief.

The Nagesh Trophy is regarded as the biggest platform for blind cricket in India, and Goa’s journey through the tournament stood out for its consistency and tactical brilliance. The team dominated Group E, registering four emphatic victories. Goa began its campaign with a commanding win over Manipur, bowling them out for 111 and winning by 169 runs, with Nilesh Mirgal named Man of the Match. In the second encounter, Goa posted 233 runs against Railways, with Mirgal scoring a century and helping restrict the opposition to 132. The third match saw Goa defeat Vidarbha after scoring 157 and restricting them to 112, with captain Aftab Patel earning the Man of the Match award. Goa concluded the group stage by defeating Jammu & Kashmir, scoring 170 runs, with Mirgal once again delivering an all-round performance of 87 runs and key wickets.

The team’s success was powered by strong contributions across categories. In the B1 category, captain Aftab Patel led from the front, supported by Kailash Sainath, a key bowler, and Akshay Harsh. The B2 category featured impactful performances from Nilesh Mirgal, a consistent match-winner with both bat and ball, and Chander Dinesh, known for his bowling, fielding and dependable batting. In the B3 category, Jignesh emerged as an important all-rounder, while Arvind and Nilesh N contributed steadily. Young wicketkeeper-batsman Vibhishan impressed on debut, earning his place directly in the Goa national team with his sharp keeping and batting skills.

Behind the scenes, the guidance of Treasurer and Head Coach Yashwant Nageshkar played a crucial role. His confidence in the players and constant encouragement helped shape the team’s mindset and performance. Coach Omkar and Manager Prathamesh also played key roles in ensuring preparation and team cohesion.

Captain Aftab Patel’s leadership stood out throughout the tournament. One of the youngest captains in Indian blind cricket, he took charge at a time of transition after senior players retired and led the team to a historic national ranking. His journey reflects both personal determination and the mentorship he received from the coaching staff.

Blind cricket relies on sound, instinct and trust, and Goa’s team proved that strong intent can overcome physical barriers. With this top-10 finish, the team now looks ahead to future national challenges, with hopes of greater support from the Goa government and sports fraternity. Several players are now aspiring for selection to the Indian National Blind Cricket Team, carrying forward the belief that success is driven not by sight, but by vision.

Sports

Sachin Tendulkar Meets T20 Blind Women’s World Cup Champions in Mumbai

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

In a moment filled with inspiration and pride, Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar met the Indian Women’s Blind Cricket Team, the newly crowned T20 Blind Cricket World Cup champions, at the MIG Cricket Club in Mumbai on December 17, 2025. The interaction marked a defining milestone for the team, whose journey to the world title has been shaped by resilience, determination, and unwavering belief.

Sachin Tendulkar spent close to an hour with the players, congratulating them on their historic achievement and listening intently to their personal journeys. He praised the team for overcoming challenges and crossing the final hurdle through sheer perseverance and hard work, noting that their World Cup victory would be remembered far beyond the tournament itself.

During the interaction, Sachin acknowledged the vital role played by the players’ families, particularly their parents, for providing encouragement and freedom rather than limitations. He emphasised that such support enabled the athletes to pursue cricket at the highest level and transform dreams into reality.

The cricket legend also reminded the team that success brings greater responsibility. With expectations set to rise, he said the players would need to work harder and stay focused, describing the World Cup win not as an endpoint but as the beginning of a longer journey that now carries the power to inspire countless others.

For the players, meeting Sachin Tendulkar was an emotional and unforgettable experience. Many described it as validation of years of dedication and sacrifice, and a moment that reaffirmed that their achievements have been recognised at the highest level of Indian sport.

Team captain Deepika TC expressed her emotions, calling the meeting a dream come true and sharing that Sachin’s words of encouragement deeply touched the team. She said the interaction would remain with them for life and motivate them to work even harder while carrying Indian cricket to greater heights.

Sachin Tendulkar gave autographs to all the players and posed for photographs with the team. In a gesture of gratitude, the players presented him with an autographed bat. Dr. G.K. Mahantesh, President of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India, described the meeting as a moment to cherish forever, stating that recognition from a legend like Sachin Tendulkar provides immense confidence to players and strengthens the entire blind cricket ecosystem in India.

The Cricket Association for the Blind in India expressed heartfelt gratitude to Sachin Tendulkar for his time, warmth, and unwavering belief in the abilities of blind cricketers, calling the interaction a landmark moment for the sport and its champions.

Sports

IPL 2026 to Begin on March 26, Final Scheduled for May 31

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The Indian Premier League 2026 season is set to begin on Thursday, March 26, with the final scheduled for Sunday, May 31. The dates for the upcoming edition were revealed by IPL CEO Hemang Amin during a briefing with all ten franchises ahead of the mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi, according to Cricbuzz. While the complete match schedule is yet to be announced, it is expected to be made public in the coming days.

It has been confirmed that defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will feature in the opening fixture of the tournament. However, uncertainty remains over whether the match will be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Traditionally, the IPL season opener is hosted at the home venue of the defending champions, but the availability of the stadium is yet to be finalised.

The Karnataka State Cricket Association has received conditional clearance from the state government to host IPL matches, with final approval pending the fulfilment of safety and security requirements. The venue has not hosted matches since a tragic stampede outside the stadium during victory celebrations last year resulted in the loss of 11 lives, following which even Women’s World Cup matches were relocated.

Ahead of the auction, the Board of Control for Cricket in India held a meeting with representatives of all ten franchises, during which teams were informed about the tentative window for the tournament. Attention will now shift to the IPL 2026 auction, where franchises will compete for 77 available slots, including 31 overseas player positions. The highest reserve price has been set at ₹2 crore, with 40 players registering in this bracket.

Several prominent international and domestic players, including Cameron Green, David Miller, Devon Conway, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Gus Atkinson, Wanindu Hasaranga, Venkatesh Iyer and Liam Livingstone, have entered the auction at the top base price. Meanwhile, notable absentees from the auction list include Glenn Maxwell and Faf du Plessis. As teams prepare to finalise their squads, anticipation continues to build for the return of one of cricket’s most-watched tournaments.

Sports

MCC Thunder Edge Avengers in Thrilling Finish to Go Top of the Table

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

MCC Thunder moved to the top of the MCL 11 table after pulling off a tense 2-wicket win over MCC Avengers in a gripping T20 contest at the MCC Ground in Margao. The match went down to the very last over, with Thunder successfully chasing the target of 166 in 19.5 overs. The win, which takes their tally to 8 points, showcased disciplined bowling, calm batting under pressure and a standout all-round performance from Ved Mahambrey, who was adjudged Man of the Match.

MCC Avengers, batting first, posted 165/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Their innings was built on steady contributions from Venkatesh Nevagi, who struck 24, followed by a valuable 35 from Amod Borkar and a well-compiled 40 from Vedant Naik. However, the Thunder bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings. Sudhir Shet delivered an impressive spell with figures of 2/22, while Sudesh Rane picked up 2/44. Ved Mahambrey chipped in with 1/17, and the experienced Dr. Rohan Badve bowled economically for his 1/14. Om Fadte also contributed with the ball, returning figures of 1/27.

Chasing 166, MCC Thunder began steadily but faced resistance from the Avengers’ bowlers. The innings gained momentum through a composed 36 from Om Fadte, followed by a crucial 39 from Roshan Naik, who kept the scoreboard ticking at a vital phase. The chase was anchored beautifully by Ved Mahambrey, whose 38 proved to be the defining knock in the pressure-filled chase. With wickets falling around him, Mahambre’s calm presence ensured Thunder stayed on course.

The Avengers bowlers fought back valiantly. Amod Borkar picked up 2/32, while Siddhant Amonkar claimed 1/30. Venkatesh Nevagi showed his all-round ability with 1/25, and Gopal Gawas chipped in with 1/17. Despite their efforts, the total proved just short as Thunder held their nerve to cross the finish line with one ball remaining.

The thrilling victory reflected Thunder’s resilience and teamwork, taking them to the top of the standings and further intensifying the race in MCL 11.

Human Interest

World’s Tallest Messi Statue Unveiled in Kolkata Ahead of GOAT Tour

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

A towering 70-foot iron statue of football legend Lionel Messi has been completed in Kolkata, with organisers calling it the largest statue of the Argentine superstar in the world. Created by the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club at Lake Town in South Dum Dum, the massive installation depicts Messi proudly lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy — an image etched permanently into football history. The final finishing touches are currently underway, led by Monty Paul and his team, as the surrounding area is also being readied for the grand reveal.

West Bengal Minister and Sree Bhumi Sporting Club President Sujit Bose confirmed that the statue, despite its size and complexity, was completed in an astonishing forty days. Speaking to ANI, he said, “This is a very big statue, 70 foot in height. There is no other statue of Messi this big in the world. Messi is coming to Kolkata, and there are a lot of fans of Messi.” Bose recalled the legacy of world football icons who have visited Kolkata over the years, noting that Maradona, Emiliano Martinez and Ronaldinho had all graced the city, making Messi’s arrival feel even more historic for fans.

He shared that the idea for the statue grew naturally from local expectations. “People were saying we have a statue of Maradona, so why won’t there be one of Messi,” Bose explained. The timing of the tribute has generated added excitement, with Bose emphasising its significance ahead of the 2026 World Cup: “Messi will like this statue. Inauguration will be on the 13th virtually from Kolkata.”

Organisers stated that while Messi’s security concerns prevent him from being physically present, he will inaugurate the statue virtually on December 13. They assured that the finishing work would be completed within the next couple of days. Bose also acknowledged the strong support of state authorities, saying, “The Government has helped us a lot.”

The installation has already captured the imagination of football fans across West Bengal, with many expressing anticipation for the official unveiling. According to the organisers, the massive tribute celebrates not only Messi’s unparalleled legacy but also the deep emotional connection the people of Kolkata share with the sport. The city, known for its passionate football culture, now prepares to honour one of the most celebrated athletes of all time with a monument befitting his global stature.