PANAJI
The 3rd edition of the Vedanta Youth Cup, organized by Sesa Football Academy (SFA) in collaboration with the Goa Football Association, concluded with an exciting display of youth football across Goa. The elite U-15 tournament featured eight top teams, with three outstation clubs — Bengaluru FC, Muthoot FA, and Zinc Football Academy — joining five of Goa's finest teams, including hosts Sesa Football Academy.
The tournament, played on a Group-cum-Knockout format, saw intense competition over the course of one week, culminating in an action-packed final between Muthoot FA and Zinc Football Academy. In a thrilling clash, Muthoot FA emerged victorious with a commanding 3-1 win, claiming their first-ever Vedanta Youth Cup title. Both teams were debutants in the tournament, adding fresh energy and an exciting new dimension to the competition.
The grand prize distribution ceremony took place in the presence of several dignitaries, including Nilkant Halarnkar, Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Services, and Factories & Boilers; Rupesh Madgaonkar, Deputy Sarpanch of VP Sirsaim; Simran Uskaikar, Panch Member, Sarpanch of VP Sirsaim; Bibiano Fernandes, former SFA coach and current Bengaluru FC Reserve Team Coach; Aaren D'Silva, SFA Alumnus and ISL player; Vinod Kumar, Chief Operating Officer of Mining at Sesa Goa; and Leena Verenkar, Head of CSR & SCDF at Sesa Goa. They congratulated all the participating teams for their outstanding performances and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
The winners, Muthoot FA, were awarded a cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000 and the prestigious Vedanta Youth Cup trophy, while the runners-up, Zinc Football Academy, received Rs. 70,000 and a trophy. Salgaocar FC was also recognized with the Fair Play Award, along with a cash prize of Rs. 10,000.
Individual awards
Player of the Match: Mohammed Jeheruddin (Muthoot FA)
Most Promising Player: Mahendra Tudu (Zinc Football Academy)
Top Goal Scorer: Leivon Thangalur Kom (Muthoot FA)
Best Goalkeeper: Prathyush Dev (Muthoot FA)
