MARGAO
FC Siolim stormed into the semifinals of the Franco Gouveia Memorial Tournament after defeating Navelim Sporting 2-0 in a fast-paced quarterfinal clash at the DSYA Ground organised by St Anthony Club Colva.
Navelim started brightly and nearly took the lead in the fourth minute when Joyson Couthino’s powerful free-kick crashed against the crossbar. Both teams adopted an attacking approach throughout the first half, with Nash Pereira and Joyson Couthino impressing for Navelim, but the teams went into the break goalless.
Siolim returned with greater urgency in the second half as Vishank Dhargalkar and Saideep Pompurpekar repeatedly threatened the Navelim defence. The breakthrough came in the 42nd minute when Lavnay Shirodkar scored directly from a stunning 50-yard free-kick. Soon after, Saideep Pompurpekar doubled the lead with a composed finish.
Navelim attempted a comeback, but Siolim’s defence, marshalled by Lavnay Shirodkar and Gaurav, held firm to secure a semifinal berth.
Saideep Pompurpekar was adjudged man of the match and received the award from former GFA vice-president and FC Siolim president Francis Fernandes.
Altar servers football tourney inaugurated
MARGAO: The Holy Trinity Church Parish, Benaulim, inaugurated the 1st All Goa 7-A-Side Under-5-Feet-3-Inches Altar Servers Football Tournament on Sunday in the presence of youth leader and social worker Warren Alemao. Alemao thanked Fr Ligorin, Fr Clifford and the parish for the invitation and hospitality.
“It is truly inspiring to see around 40 teams of altar servers from across Goa coming together through football, showcasing unity, discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship,” Alemao said.
“Such initiatives are extremely important for children as they help build confidence, leadership, friendship and healthy values while keeping them engaged in positive activities. Sports not only strengthen physical fitness but also teach respect, dedication, responsibility and the importance of working together as a team,” he added. Alemao wished the organisers and participating teams success for the tournament.
Special swimmers shine
MARGAO: Criscia Mikkel Dias, a 19-year-old student of Caritas Vocational Centre and an eight-year student of Gujarati Samaj School, successfully completed the Mandovi river crossing from Divar to Ribandar Ferry on May 1. The event was organised by Amigos de Clark.
Criscia and fellow special child Arthur Jack Fernandes have both been training under Margao RCC swimming coach Inacio “Netty” Raposo.
Criscia also participated in the SAG swimming competition in Panjim, winning gold in the 50m event, besides securing second place in the 25m event in the state para swimming competition in the ID Girls category.
Arthur Jack Fernandes participated in the SIVUS swimming tournament in Chennai in December 2024 and secured second place in the 50m event for special children in Panaji.
Swimming trials for nationals
MARGAO: Goa Swimming Association has announced time trials for the 79th Senior National Aquatic Championship, which will be held from June 16 to 21 in Ahmedabad under the aegis of the Swimming Federation of India. The trials will take place on May 27 at the Ponda Swimming Pool.
Interested swimmers have been asked to register with Goa Swimming Association secretary Sudesh Nagvenkar on or before May 24.
Goan futsal tutor conducts 10th AFC course
MARGAO: Joshuah Stan Vaz, Goa’s only AFC Futsal International Tutor, is currently in Thimphu, Bhutan, conducting his 10th futsal course as an independent tutor from May 7 to 12. Vaz began his journey in April 2022 with his first course in Gujarat and has since delivered 10 courses — seven in India and three overseas. With futsal continuing to grow rapidly in India and across the SAFF region, Vaz believes the sport can play a key role in developing technically stronger footballers.
