The winner of the Putzmeister Goa Marathon 2026.
PANAJI
Siddhrsh Barje and Khushi Singh emerged victorious in the men’s and women’s open categories at the Putzmeister Goa Marathon 2026, which was held recently at Miramar Beach with more than 3,000 participants and spectators. Barje was followed by Omkar Chandivade and Harichandra Velip in the men’s race, while Shreya Patil and Khushboo Baghel finished second and third, respectively, in the women’s event. Runners, families, corporate teams and fitness enthusiasts took part in the marathon, highlighting themes of endurance, inclusion and collective purpose. Organised as part of Putzmeister Concrete Machines’ corporate social responsibility programme, the event supported the El Shaddai Charitable Trust, which works to provide shelter for the homeless and assistance to vulnerable children.
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Dias named South Goa Utd CSC coach
MARGAO: South Goa United Club of Sports and Culture has appointed Charles Dias as the head coach of its football team, officials said, as the club looks to strengthen its technical standards and competitiveness in youth leagues. A well-known figure in the Goan football fraternity, Dias is expected to play a key role in refining the academy’s training structure and developing young talent. Before moving into coaching, Dias had built a strong foundation as a player, representing several state-level clubs and representative sides. His coaching career began with Orlim Sports Club, where he guided the team to victory in the GFA Under-18 Championship. He later went on to work with Guardian Angel Sports Club Curchorem and Wilred Leisure Curtorim. Dias also served as coach of Sesa Football Academy, where he led the side to a runners-up finish in the GFA Pro League.
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Lourdes Festival Cup from Feb 19
MARGAO: United Club of Utorda will host 32nd Lourdes Festival All Goa Inter-Village Football Tournament from February 19 at Utorda, with the final scheduled for March 21, organisers said. All matches will kick off at 4.30 pm. The participating teams include Our Lady of Gloria Raia, Betalbatim Sports Club, Curtorim Gymkhana, Uguem Rising Club, St Anthony's Colva, Shiroda Youth Club, Cortalim Gymkhana, Parish Youth Nuvem, Cuncolim Union, United Club of Verna, Mandopa SC, CAC Sports Club Cansaulim, Fr Agnelo Paroda, Don Bosco Oratory Fatorda, St Anthony Assolda, and hosts United Club of Utorda. Organisers said the first prize has been donated by Ray Pereira and family in memory of late Savio Torcato Pereira, while the second prize has been sponsored by Jose Rodrigues. The housie prize for the final will be sponsored by Raymond Azavedo and Milu Azavedo.
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Royal Goan Warriors triumph
MARGAO: Royal Goan Warriors clinched the Smart Amigoa with Smart Life Crown Cricket Champions Trophy 2026 after edging past Unknown Virus in a tense final that went down to the wire. The tournament featured a series of closely fought matches and strong individual performances. Royal Goan Warriors had earlier stormed into the final by defeating Goan Warriors in a high-intensity semi-final, while Unknown Virus advanced with a victory over VSCC in the second semi-final. In the final, Swapnesh played a decisive role with the bat, earning the Man of the Match award for his match-winning performance. Farooq of VSCC was named Best Bowler of the tournament, while Arpas claimed both the Best Batsman and Most Valuable Player awards for his consistent and dominant displays throughout the competition.
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Chalwadi tops Ponda chess tourney
PANAJI: Vinod Chalwadi emerged as the winner of a chess tournament organised by 41er Club No. 66 of Ponda in association with the Ponda Taluka Chess Association, officials said. The event, held for boys and staff of Matruchhaya's Bal Kalyan Ashram, Talaulim, was organised as part of the celebrations marking 41er International Day in Ponda. Narayan Pagad finished second, followed by Vedang Kerkar in third place. Arun Dharmadhikari, Premeshwar Jaiswal, Venkatesh Madar, Vyapti Naik and Deepak Jangli secured the fourth to eighth positions, respectively.
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Danilo feted for Mental Maths WC performance
MARGAO: Danilo Gomes, a seven-year-old student of Divine Heart School, Chandor, excelled at the Mental Maths World Cup held in Georgia. He was felicitated for his achievement at the Elite Classic Mr India Bodybuilding Championship function in Margao.
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Fit For Life holds graduation ceremony
MARGAO: More than 60 swimmers, ranging from young children to older adults, were honoured at the Fit For Life (FFL) Graduation Ceremony, celebrating their journey from fear to confidence in the water. The ceremony marked the completion of training by participants who had taken on the challenge of learning to swim despite initial hesitation and discomfort. PWD Minister Digambar Kamat and Yogiraj Kamat attended the programme as chief guests, while national medallist and coach Jerry D’Mello and recent SGFI medallist Pooja Rawool were present as special guests. Fit For Life, which employs AUSTSWIM-certified trainers, offers structured swimming and fitness programmes for children and adults in Goa.
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Goa University picks cross-country team
PANAJI: Goa University has selected its men’s cross-country team to participate in the AIU All India Inter University Cross Country Men Championship 2025-26, scheduled to be held on February 15. The championship will take place at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak. The selected student-athletes are Ganesh Tamburkar, Narayan Giri, Vishnu Meena, Swetan Gaonkar, Sidhant Gaonkar and Viraj Gaonkar. The team will be coached and managed by Dr Savio Leitao.
