Tag: Youth Sports

Sports

Goa’s 9-Year-Old Badminton Prodigy Amaira Dhumatker Storms Into Mini National Semifinals

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Vadodara, Gujarat – At just nine years old, Amaira Dhumatker from Goa has carved her name into Indian badminton history by reaching the semifinals of the Yonex-Sunrise 4th Mini (U-11) National Badminton Championships 2025. Competing at the Sama Sports Complex, Amaira demonstrated remarkable skill, focus, and resilience, defeating some of the country’s best young talent.

In the Round of 64, she convincingly beat Rajasthan’s Pranjal Kumari Dharkar 21-10, 21-3. She continued her dominant run in the Round of 32 with a 21-6, 21-17 victory over West Bengal’s Ahana Srimani, and followed it with a 21-15, 21-14 win against Uttar Pradesh’s Megha Singh in the Round of 16. In the quarterfinals on Wednesday, 10th December 2025, Amaira faced Andhra Pradesh’s Sri Adhya Reddy Kaduluri in a thrilling three-game match, eventually winning 17-21, 21-17, 21-17.

This historic journey has made Amaira the first Goan girl to ever reach the semifinals of the national event and the youngest Indian to achieve this milestone. Currently ranked No. 1 in Goa in both singles and doubles, Amaira has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in Indian badminton. Her fearless play, consistency, and determination have not only assured a medal for Goa but also inspired a generation of young athletes across the country.

As Amaira prepares for the semifinals, her journey reflects the power of passion, hard work, and dreams pursued relentlessly. Goa and the entire Indian badminton community are eagerly watching as this young prodigy continues to make history.

Sports

DBO Panjim & Sonics Crowned Champions at Third Sonics All-Goa U17 Basketball League

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The Third Sonics All-Goa Under-17 Basketball League concluded in style at Youth Hostel, Miramar, as Don Bosco Oratory Panjim and Sonics emerged as the Boys’ and Girls’ Champions respectively. The finals delivered a perfect blend of athleticism, teamwork, and sportsmanship, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of supporters and showcasing the best of Goa’s rising basketball talent.

In the boys’ championship clash, Don Bosco Oratory Panjim displayed superior composure and coordination to outplay Don Bosco Fatorda 50–42 in a thrilling contest. Leading from the front, Avner Mendonca’s brilliant 25-point performance earned him the Finals MVP title, cementing his place as one of Goa’s most exciting young players. Don Bosco Fatorda’s David Xavier put up a valiant fight, scoring 13 points and keeping the game competitive until the final minutes.

The girls’ final saw Sonics deliver a disciplined and strategic display of basketball, overcoming Don Bosco Fatorda 28–18 to secure the championship. The standout performer was Kim DSouza, whose 12 points and leadership on both ends of the court earned her the Girls’ Division MVP award.

Loyola captured third place in the boys’ division with a narrow 27–22 win over Sonics, with Richie of Loyola making a strong impression throughout the tournament. Other notable young stars included Sean Fernandes of Don Bosco Fatorda and Daniel Rodrigues of Sonics, who drew plenty of cheers for their skillful all-round performances.

Despite minor scheduling adjustments due to unexpected rains, the league maintained high energy and enthusiasm across its 35 matches. Organized by Sonics Basketball Club under the aegis of the Goa Basketball Association, the event once again highlighted the growing strength of Goa’s youth basketball community. The successful completion of the Third Sonics All-Goa U17 League was celebrated with medals, cheers, and memories that promise an even brighter future for the sport in the state.

Sports

Goa Has Sporting Talent but Needs the Right Guidance and Support: Mandar Rao Dessai

Tanisha Cardozo

Panjim, Goa – The passion for football in Goa remains as vibrant as ever, and former Indian national team footballer and current Chennaiyin FC player Mandar Rao Dessai believes that the state has the potential to produce even more world-class athletes — provided they receive the right guidance and support.

Speaking at a sports kit distribution event in Arpora–Nagoa, organized by the V.P. Arpora–Nagoa Panchayat, Mandar emphasized the importance of nurturing young sporting talent through community involvement and mentorship. Reflecting on his own journey, the 33-year-old footballer recalled the challenges he faced during his early days. “When I started playing, there were challenges — lack of kits, infrastructure, and support. But today, everything is available,” he said.

Mandar noted that while opportunities for sports have grown significantly across India, many young players still struggle due to limited financial and infrastructural support. He urged everyone — from local organizations and coaches to families and sports clubs — to come together to provide the right environment for emerging athletes. “We all should come together to motivate and guide young players so they can become great athletes,” he said.

The footballer also highlighted the crucial role that families play in shaping the careers of young sportspersons. “Support from family and friends — whether moral or financial — is crucial. I have represented my state and country, and I know there are many more talented players in Goa who just need the right training and guidance,” he added.

Calling discipline and dedication the cornerstones of success, Mandar expressed optimism that Goa will continue to produce outstanding athletes who can make India proud. “Football runs in the blood of every Goan,” he said, capturing the enduring spirit of the state’s connection with the sport.

During the event, Mandar thanked the Panchayat officials for their efforts in promoting grassroots sports and encouraged further development of local sporting infrastructure. His message was clear — with passion, perseverance, and community backing, Goa’s next generation of athletes can achieve greatness on national and international stages.

Sports

9-Year-Old Amaira Dhumatker Shines at Goa Major Ranking Badminton Tournament

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s young badminton prodigy Amaira Dhumatker, just nine years of age, delivered a stellar performance at the All Goa Major Ranking Badminton Tournament organized by Sunlite Sports Club in collaboration with the Goa Badminton Association (GBA) and the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG). The tournament was held at the Campal Indoor Stadium on November 1st and 2nd, 2025, and brought together some of Goa’s best young badminton players.

Amaira impressed both spectators and officials with her exceptional agility, technique, and composure on court. She secured Gold in Under-11 Girls Singles, Silver in Under-13 Girls Singles, and Silver in Under-13 Girls Doubles, marking an incredible run across multiple age categories. Her all-round performance earned her the title of Outstanding Player of the Tournament, a recognition reserved for the most consistent and dominant competitor across events.

At only nine, Amaira continues to prove her potential as one of Goa’s most promising young athletes. Her achievements at this prestigious state-level ranking event highlight not only her talent but also her dedication and sportsmanship.

Organizers from Sunlite Sports Club, along with officials from GBA and SAG, lauded Amaira’s success and encouraged young players to follow her example of determination and discipline.

Amaira Dhumatker’s triumph at the tournament is yet another milestone in her budding badminton journey and a proud moment for Goa’s sporting community. With her continued hard work and passion, she is undoubtedly a name to watch in Indian badminton’s future.

Sports

Goa’s Archi Katkar Wins Silver in Triathlon at National Junior Athletics Championships 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s rising athletic star Archi Prithviraj Katkar has brought home a proud moment for the state by winning the Silver Medal in the Triathlon (Group A) category at the 40th National Junior Athletics Championships 2025, held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Competing in the Under-14 category, Archi represented RCC Fatorda and trained under the expert mentorship of coach Patrick Soares. Her performance was marked by determination, discipline, and athletic prowess, earning her a total of 2306 points — a feat that placed her second on the national podium.

A student of Vidya Vikas Academy, Margao, Archi was part of a 13-member Goan contingent that competed across various age groups at the national championship. Her achievement not only brings individual recognition but also highlights the growing success of grassroots sports training and development in Goa.

This Silver Medal reflects the growing presence of Goan athletes at the national level, and Archi’s success serves as a motivation for aspiring young athletes across the state. Her journey from local tracks to a national stage is a testament to consistent hard work, community support, and focused coaching.

As Goa continues to invest in youth sports infrastructure and mentorship, stories like Archi’s reinforce the state’s potential to shine on the national and international stage. With continued dedication and encouragement, Archi Katkar is certainly a name to watch in Indian athletics.