MARGAO
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai has assured a permanent venue for Sarsangan sporting events, while Padma Shree and former India footballer Brahmanand Sankhwalkar urged players to pursue excellence through persistence, practice and dedication at the inauguration of the fourth Sarsangan Inter-State National Saraswat Futsal Championship at the We For Fatorda Sports Complex, Agalli, Fatorda.
Sardesai inaugurated the four-day championship in the presence of Sankhwalkar and Vallabh Pai. He highlighted the importance of promoting futsal among the Saraswat community and appreciated Sarsangan’s efforts to provide players with a competitive platform.
Sardesai also announced that the We For Fatorda Sports Complex would be made available as a permanent venue for Sarsangan sporting events every year, giving a boost to the organisation’s efforts to develop a sustained sporting movement.
Twelve Saraswat teams, including four from outside Goa, are competing for the championship trophy.
The winners will receive ₹20,000 and the championship trophy, while the runners-up will get ₹10,000 and a trophy. The two losing semifinalists will each receive ₹5,000 and a trophy.
Nine league matches have been completed so far. In Group A, Antruz Rising Stars of Ponda lead with six points after two wins. Konkan Samurais of Kerala are second with three points from one match, while Angle FC Margao and Antruz Strikers Ponda are yet to open their accounts.
PDK Kings of Bicholim lead Group B with four points from two matches, having recorded a win and a draw. Cherlai Lions of Kerala have three points from one match, followed by Sinq Rangers of Panaji with one point. Saraswat Garudas of Cuncolim are yet to score a point.
Group C sees Rising Legends FA and Konkan Warriors, both from Kerala, on three points each from one match. FC Global Margao also have three points from two games, while Cosmos United Panaji are yet to open their account.
Sai Vallabh Pai and Siddharth Nayak currently lead the scoring charts with two goals each.
The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will qualify for the quarterfinals. The winners will advance to the semifinals before the final.
