Sports

Goa Tourism Inspires the Next Generation of Cricketers through World Legends Pro T20 League Trophy Tour


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji, February 2, 2026: In a bid to inspire young talent and promote inclusive participation in sports, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in association with the World Legends Pro T20 League, organised a Trophy Tour and Player Interaction at the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) Ground in Porvorim.


The initiative aimed to motivate youth and women to actively engage in sports by offering meaningful interaction with legendary cricketers while highlighting the unifying power of sport. Aspiring sportspersons, students, and cricket enthusiasts gathered for an evening filled with inspiration, learning, and celebration.

The programme featured an interactive Q&A session where participants gained insights into the journeys, challenges, and experiences of professional cricketers. To further boost engagement, a fun quiz segment was conducted, with official merchandise and match tickets awarded to winners. The event concluded with a photo session, allowing attendees to capture memorable moments with the players and the World Legends Pro T20 League trophy.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted the transformative role of sports, stating that sports inspire confidence, resilience, leadership, and values such as teamwork, discipline, and inclusivity. He reaffirmed Goaโ€™s commitment to nurturing talent and creating opportunities for participation across all sections of society.

The event began with a warm welcome by the emcee, setting an inclusive and engaging tone for the evening. The Trophy Tour and Player Interaction formed part of the lead-up to the World Legends Pro T20 League matches in Goa and reflected the Department of Tourismโ€™s continued efforts to promote sports tourism while fostering empowering community-driven experiences.

Travel

Goa Tourism Engages Youth with Electric Cycle Tour & Bread-Making Experience under Yuva Tourism Club


Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Panjim, 17th September 2025 โ€“ As part of the month-long build-up to World Tourism Day 2025, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), SKAL International Goa, and the Yuva Tourism Club, conducted two immersive student activities: an Electric Cycle Tour at Chorao and a โ€œLife of Paoโ€ Bread-Making Experience at Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts and Science, Devorlim.

The initiatives are designed to promote regenerative and experiential tourism, while building awareness among youth about Goaโ€™s natural and cultural heritage.

Honโ€™ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, said:

โ€œThrough activities like todayโ€™s Electric Cycle Tour and Bread-Making Experience, we want to engage the youth in authentic experiences and instill in them a sense of ownership towards Goaโ€™s heritage, ecology and traditions. This aligns with our vision to make Goa a model for regenerative tourism.โ€

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added:

โ€œThese hands-on programmes are more than just excursions; they are an educational journey for students, sensitising them to sustainability, local livelihoods and community engagement.โ€

The Electric Cycle Tour at Chorao offered students an opportunity to explore Goaโ€™s ecology, biodiversity, and village landscapes in a sustainable manner. Meanwhile, the Life of Pao Bread-Making Experience immersed them in Goaโ€™s culinary traditions, teaching them the cultural significance and heritage of the iconic Goan bread.

With the participation of colleges and schools through the Yuva Tourism Club, these initiatives are shaping the next generation of responsible travellers who appreciate the importance of sustainability, community, and cultural preservation.

The Department of Tourism will continue hosting a series of programs throughout September, leading up to special events and grand celebrations on World Tourism Day 2025.

Social

IRCS Goa Applauded by Governor for Compassionate Service


Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Governor Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju lauded the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) for its continued commitment to humanitarian service. Calling the organization a beacon of compassion, neutrality, and voluntary action, the Governor highlighted its vital role in bringing hope and healing to communities in crisis.

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the IRCS held at Raj Bhavan, Dona Paula, the Governorโ€”who also serves as the President of the Goa State Branch of the IRCSโ€”commended the Goa branch for upholding the legacy of the Red Cross movement. He noted the branch’s impactful work in areas such as disaster preparedness and relief operations, healthcare initiatives, and youth engagement programs.

โ€œYour work has strengthened bonds of solidarity within society and is a testimony to the selfless service of volunteers, staff and well-wishers. I deeply appreciate the Goa branch for its outstanding contribution to the people of Goa,โ€ said Governor Raju while addressing the gathering of IRCS members, volunteers, students, and office bearers.

The event also included the discussion of issues related to the functioning of IRCS branches in the state. Awards were presented to various branches for their exceptional contributions, and the IRCS Goa Administrative Report for 2024-25 was reviewed.

The Annual Report for the year 2024-25 was officially released during the event. Earlier in the program, Chairperson of IRCS Goa, Shri Gaurish Dhond, warmly welcomed the attendees and emphasized the organizationโ€™s mission to serve with compassion and dedication.

Events in Goa

Celebrate the Spirit of Goa at Malar Bonderam on 16th August 2025


St. Mathias, Malar โ€“ The much-loved Malar Bonderam festival, hosted by the St. Mathias Sports Club, returns with a vibrant and inclusive celebration of Goan culture on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Founded in 1967, the St. Mathias Sports Club has consistently been at the heart of community life in Malar, and this yearโ€™s Bonderam is set to bring generations together in a day-long celebration of identity, unity, and tradition.

At a recent press conference in Panjim, Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas opened the event by introducing key figures behind the scenes. Former Club President Ivo Azavedo gave insights into the origins of Bonderam and its evolving cultural significance. Remy De Almeida, Vice President, emphasized engaging the youth, while Sports Secretary and former footballer Remes Gomes outlined robust safety measures.

Award-winning actress Anisha Menezes, representing the youth wing, shared that rehearsals began two months ago, and the younger generation is buzzing with excitement. Veteran journalist Prakash Kamat praised festakar Marius Fernandes for leading with inclusivity, and confirmed the venue would be fully accessible.

The event will be hosted by beloved compere RJ Joed Almeida, who highlighted the importance of celebrating heritage from fresh perspectives and passing it forward to younger generations.

Event Highlights Include:

  • ๐Ÿ•ฏ๏ธ Lighting of the Lamp at 11:00 AM
  • ๐ŸŒฟ Backyard Gardening session by Dr. Suresh Kunkalikar
  • ๐ŸŽต Konkani Kantaram and workshops with Dr. Glenis Mendonca
  • ๐Ÿ› Authentic Goan food stalls
  • ๐Ÿ’ƒ Cultural dance performances
  • ๐ŸŽธ Youth band showcase
  • ๐ŸŽ โ€ฆand surprise activities throughout the day!

Free Entry | All Are Welcome

This year’s Malar Bonderam focuses on inclusivity, accessibility, and participation โ€” calling on everyone from students to seniors, locals to visitors, to immerse themselves in Goan hospitality and togetherness.

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Date: 16th August 2025
๐Ÿ“ Location: St. Mathias, Malar
โฐ Time: 11 AM โ€“ 10 PM
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Entry: FREE

Come for the music, stay for the memories. Letโ€™s celebrate a Goa thatโ€™s rich in history, rooted in community, and open to all.

Politics

Mapusa MLA Joshua De Souza Engages with St. Francis Xavierโ€™s High School Students at Goa Legislative Assembly


Mapusa MLA and Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Joshua De Souza, recently welcomed students from St. Francis Xavierโ€™s High School, Mapusa, to his chamber for an enriching and interactive session.

The visit provided the young learners with a rare opportunity to understand the workings of the Goa Legislative Assembly and its critical role in shaping public policy. Joshua De Souza shared insights on legislative procedures, decision-making, and how laws impact citizensโ€™ lives.

The discussion was marked by curiosity and active participation from the students, who asked thought-provoking questions about governance and the responsibilities of lawmakers. The MLA expressed his delight at the enthusiasm displayed by the students, describing them as โ€œbright young minds filled with curiosity and the potential to be future leaders.โ€

Such interactions, he emphasized, are important in encouraging youth to engage with democratic institutions and understand the responsibilities that come with leadership. The students left the Assembly with a deeper appreciation of governance and a renewed sense of civic awareness.