PANAJI
In a thrilling final match, the Goan Rebels, led by captain Varun Gangodkar, clinched victory by a narrow margin of 85-84 against the Panaji Ganeshotsav Samiti, captained by Gautam Wadkar, to lift the prestigious Summer Slam TT Team Championship event championship trophy at the Indoor Stadium at Campal, Panaji, on Sunday.
The championship was organised by Panjim TT Club in aegis with the Goa TT Association, brought together eight formidable teams, each vying for the ultimate glory. The tournament showcased intense competition and strategic gameplay as teams battled it out for supremacy.
The journey to the finals was fraught with excitement and upsets. In the semi-finals, Group A winners, BPS Sports Club, suffered a defeat at the hands of Group B runners-up, Panaji Ganeshotsav Samiti, with a scoreline of 85-79. Meanwhile, Group B winners, Sawkar Spartans, were stunned by Group B runners-up, Goan Rebels, in a closely contested match ending 85-83. Interestingly, in the group stage, BPS had registered a comfortable 85-75 win over Goan Rebels. Sawkar Spartans on the other hand had inflicted a 85-81 defeat over Panaji Ganeshotsav Samiti.
There were 6 doubles games played between two teams in each tie. The unique relay point scoring format of the event added an extra layer of excitement, as demonstrated by the unexpected outcomes in the semi-finals. Despite topping their respective groups in the group stage, both BPS Sports Club and Sawkar Spartans faced reversals in the semi-finals, highlighting the unpredictability of the tournament.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Wesley Do Rosario, National Gold medal winner and India captain at University Games, alongside members of the Panjim TT Club, including Ajit Ghantker, Sandeep Heble, and Selvyn Godinho and Sports Promoter Praveen Shenoy among others.
