VASCO
Vasco will host the 22nd Senior South Zone National Softball Championship 2025-26 for men and women from February 27 to March 1 at the MPT Ground, with over 300 athletes and officials expected to participate in the three-day tournament.
Addressing a press conference in Vasco on Wednesday afternoon, Goa Softball Association president and former Cumbarjua MLA, Dharma V. Chodankar said the state is fully prepared to stage the prestigious event under the auspices of the Softball Association of India and in association with the Sports Authority of Goa.
“This championship is a matter of pride for Goa. We are expecting participation from seven states — Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry — and more than 300 athletes, officials and support staff will be part of the event,” Chodankar said.
He informed that all arrangements for accommodation and boarding have been finalised. “The women’s teams will be accommodated at A Wing, MPT Quarters, Bogda, while the men’s teams will stay at the Sports Academy Building at MPT Ground. Boarding facilities for all athletes have been arranged at the Sports Academy Building,” he stated.
The championship will be inaugurated on February 27 at 4.30 pm by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in the presence of MLA Daji Salkar, Executive Director of SAG Dr Ajay Gaude and General Secretary of the Softball Association of India Dr Praveen Anakar, among others.
The valedictory function and prize distribution ceremony will be held at 10 am on March 1 in the presence of Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar and other dignitaries.
Highlighting the association’s journey since 1990, Chodankar said Goa has successfully hosted several national-level tournaments and its players have won medals at national competitions while representing India internationally as players, coaches and captains.
“We are grateful to the Government of Goa and the Sports Ministry for their continued support. We also seek the cooperation of the media to ensure the championship is a grand success,” he added.
