MARGAO
Crozan Society, Bastora emerged as the champions of the State Senior Hockey Championship, defeating Star Sports Club, Gudi, 8-0 at the Turf Sports Complex, Peddem, Mapusa.
The Goan Hockey Association organized three thrilling matches during the championship. In the Junior Men's category, a gripping encounter saw Star Sports Club, Gudi, face Young Sports Club, Mapusa. The match ended in a 4-4 draw after regular play, with Star Sports leading 2-1 at halftime. Sulel Gaonkar gave Star Sports an early lead in the 5th minute, followed by an equalizer from Ramat for Young Sports in the 17th minute. Gaonkar struck again in the 27th minute, putting Star Sports ahead once more.
Both teams were evenly matched, focusing on ball possession in the third and fourth quarters, ending with a 4-4 draw. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Star Sports proved to be the stronger side, with their goalkeeper delivering a solid performance. They won the shootout 2-1, securing the state championship with an aggregate score of 6-5.
In the Women's Junior category, San Antonio Warriors triumphed over Goan Hockey Promoters, Navelim, with a dominant 6-0 victory. Riddi Shiodkar scored a hat-trick, while Naveli and Tiddi Hadfadar added a goal each. Navelim’s only notable player was Alliyah Pereira.
In the Senior Men's section, Crozan Society dominated Star Sports Club, Mapusa, with an 8-0 win. Yessab Sayed, Suresh Mayenkar, and Subham Sharma were the standout performers, consistently scoring at regular intervals. Star Sports goalkeeper Sachin Gaonkar made some excellent saves, or the scoreline could have been even higher.
At the prize distribution ceremony, Sr. Wendy Sequeira, Headmistress of Bastora School, was the chief guest and presented trophies, certificates, and cash prizes to the winning teams. Feral Furtado, Secretary of Goan Hockey, welcomed the gathering, and Anjulo P. Fernandes delivered the vote of thanks. Also present were Goan Hockey President Shri Abhay Bhamaikar.
