Tag: World Cup

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

Prestige XI March into Manorva Cup 2025 Final with Commanding Semi-Final Win

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Prestige XI stormed into the Final of the Manorva Cup 2025 with a commanding 59-run victory over MWA Mencurem in the semi-final of the 21st Manorva Trophy, the All Goa Panchayat Level Leather Ball T-20 Cricket Tournament, played at the Chapora Ground, Anjuna–Vagator.

Batting first, Prestige XI posted a competitive total of 162 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by a superb knock from Tushar Pednekar, who was later adjudged Man of the Match for his fluent 78 off 44 deliveries. Sahil Warang provided valuable support with a quick 17 runs, helping Prestige XI maintain momentum during the middle and death overs.

In reply, MWA Mencurem struggled to cope with Prestige XI’s disciplined bowling attack and were bowled out for 103. Sahil Warang starred with the ball, delivering a match-winning spell of 4 wickets for 28 runs in his four overs. The bowling unit applied sustained pressure throughout the innings, never allowing MWA Mencurem to settle in their chase.

Prestige XI secured a place in the Manorva Cup 2025 Final with a commanding all-round performance, set for 4th January 2026 at the same venue. Man of the Match Tushar Pednekar starred in the semi-final of the 21st Manorva Trophy, organised by the Manorva Sports & Cultural Club, Shapora, under the Goa Cricket Association.

The tournament has featured 20 teams from across Goa competing in a knockout format, showcasing competitive leather-ball cricket at the grassroots level. All matches have been hosted at the Chapora Ground, which has witnessed enthusiastic crowds and high-quality cricket throughout the competition.

As the tournament nears its conclusion, the Manorva Trophy continues to reinforce its status as one of Goa’s most competitive and well-organised panchayat-level cricket tournaments, with the final expected to draw significant interest from local cricket fans and supporters.

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.

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.