PANAJI
RSB Cochin emerged as the champions of the All India Civil Services Football Tournament, organised by the Government of Goa in collaboration with the Central Civil Services Sports and Cultural Board, New Delhi, after a thrilling final against defending champions Central Secretariat Delhi.
The final, held at Athletic Stadium, Bambolim, ended in a 0-0 stalemate after regular time, pushing the contest to a tie-breaker, where RSB Cochin triumphed 5-4. For RSB Cochin, Kanan, Midhun Wilwet, Stephen Dias, Bojair, and Asif successfully converted their spot-kicks, while Ajay Singh, Nitin Rawat, Ripudamani, and Gurjinder Kumar scored for Central Secretariat Delhi.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Dr. Ajay Gaude, Director DSYA, as the chief guest, with Bruno Coutinho, Arjuna awardee, as guest of honour, along with dignitaries Sumit M (High Performance Director, Khelo India Centre of Excellence, Goa), Sarvottam Satardekar (Joint Director Accounts, Sports Authority of Goa), Dr. Vivek Pawar (Deputy Director DSYA), Irwin Cordo (Assistant Director Coaching), and Nodal Officer Prakash Satarkar.
In the third-place playoff, RSB Mumbai defeated Goa Secretariat to claim the bronze medal.
In his address, Dr. Ajay Gaude lauded the performance of all 37 participating teams, commending the skill, teamwork, and competitive spirit displayed throughout the tournament, which commenced on December 8 at Santa Cruz Ground and Athletic Stadium, Bambolim.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:
Best Goalkeeper: Skailine PD (RSB Cochin)
Best Defender: Abhishek Rawat (Central Secretariat Delhi)
Highest Scorer: Sanket Salonke (RSB Mumbai) “ 14 goals
Best Forward: Sumit Passi (Central Secretariat Delhi)
Fair Play Award: Goa Secretariat
