PANAJI
The Salesian Province of Panjim (INP), Konkan, made a remarkable mark on the national stage by emerging runners-up at the first U17 All India Inter Province Don Bosco Basketball Tournament, held at Don Bosco School of Excellence, Hyderabad.
The prestigious tournament featured spirited participation from Don Bosco Provinces across the country — including Bangalore, Trichy, Telangana, Goa, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Shillong, and Guwahati — showcasing the growing sporting excellence within the Salesian network.
In a stunning run that surprised many, both at home and in Hyderabad, the Province of Panjim [INP] delivered a series of powerful performances. They began their campaign by overpowering Mumbai [INB] 42–19, followed by a memorable win against the host team Telangana [INH] 67–48, silencing the raucous home crowd and topping Pool A to qualify for the semifinals. Facing the formidable Chennai [INM] side in the semifinal — widely considered a higher-seeded favourite — the Panjim boys rose to the challenge with grit and determination, clinching a 37–29 victory to storm into the grand finale.
The final, however, proved to be a hard-fought battle. Despite a valiant effort and moments of brilliance, the Panjim Province team narrowly went down to a faster and more seasoned Shillong outfit, settling for a well-deserved runners-up finish with a scoreline of 33–41.
The Panjim Province team comprised talented players from across Goa, many of who had represented Goa at the Junior Nationals: David Xavier, Aaron Ponraj, Sean Fernandes, Jude Fernandes, Joshua Pillai, Darren Noronha, Alfez Pandial (from Don Bosco Sports Academy, Fatorda), and Avner Mendonca, Kayden Mendes, Kevin De Souza, Jairam Agni, Conrad Gomes (from Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim).
The team was ably guided by Fr. Ralin De Souza (SYM Delegate – Assistant Coach), Royston Costa (Head Coach), and Br. James Marcus (INP Sports Coordinator), whose leadership and mentorship were instrumental in the team’s outstanding performance.
