GFA SOUVENIR RELEASED FOR ZAMBIA FRIENDLIES!

SPORTS GOA: Goan Sports fans favourite!

The Goa Football Association released the official souvenir to mark the Zambia friendlies against a Goa XI on 26^th November 2011 and against the Indian national team on 29^th November 2011.

The matches were organized to commemorate 50 years of Goan football as well as part of Goa’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.

In the first game the Goa XI lost 1-4 to Zambia at Fatorda, stadium, Margao. Goa took the lead through Joy Ferrao but Ronald Kampamba scored, while Evans kangwa grabbed a brace and Chisama Lungu sealed victory for Zambia with the fourth goal.

Three days later at Fatorda stadium, Zambia overcame India 5-0, as Musaknya netted a fine hat-trick while Mulilo Jimmy Chisenga and Sitali Joseph Mushumba scored one apiece.

Before kick off the Indian captain Steven Dias handed over a framed copy of the souvenir with autographs of the entire Indian squad on it to the Zambian captain. After the game the Zambian team reciprocated in signing a framed copy as a memento of the occasion for the India team.  

The design of the souvenir was a Golden map of Goa, with the names of all 191 village clubs affiliated to the Goa Football association carefully imprinted on it, along with the 2012 calender.

The replica souvenir was on sale for the Goan football fans inside the stadium on both match days and proved popular.

The design was conceptualized and created by The GOA Learning Soccer School (GOA-L).   

photo: GFA executive members Welwyn Menezes (Ilhas) and Anthony Pango (Salcete) handing over the souvenir signed by the entire visiting Zambia national team, to the Indian national team coach Savio Medeira and assistant Mariano Dias.

Sports Goa: Yoga

Government high school Namoshi, Guirim dominated the North district Yoga individual and group championship organized by DSYA at Peddem Complex on Tuesday.

In the boy’s U-14 group event, Namoshi were first followed by People’s high school, Panjim and Mahalaxmi high school, Kudne, Bicholim were third.

In the individual U-14 boy’s event Anish Kumar vishwakarma was first , Santosh Lamani second and Vishnu Morajkar third all representing Namoshi.

In the girls’ U-14 team event Government h/s, Namoshi were first followed by runners up Mary Immaculate h/s, Panjim and Mahalaxmi h/s, Bicholim third.

In the girls U-14 individual event, Priyanka Vishwakarma of Namoshi h/s was first, followed by Shruti Naik of Mary Immaculate and third was Manisha Kumar of Namoshi h/s.

In the U-17 boy’s group event Namoshi were the winners, followed by People’s h/s, Panjim and Ideal h/s Pilgao were third.

In the individual U-17 boys contest Deeptesh Naik was first, Raj Kumar Yadav second both of Namoshi h/s and Soham Madgaonkar of Junta h/s Mapusa was third.

In the girls U-17 group event Mary Immaculate were champions, followed by Junta h/s, Mapusa and Mahalaxmi h/s Bicholim were third.

In the girls U-17 individual contest, Megha Kambli from Kasturba h/s, Panjim topped, followed by Ereide Cotta of Mary immaculate h/s and Praveen Nadef was third.
 

St Britto's U-14 champs

A goal in each half was enough to hand ST Britto’s high school, Mapusa victory after defeating St Clara’s high school, Assnora 2-0 in the final of the U-14 boy’s Bardez Taulka football tournament organized by DSYA at Peddem complex here on Wednesday.

St Britto’s started strongly and moved ahead when Macann Pereira sent in a good cross from the right side and Omkar Sawant did the unimaginable as he chested the ball, before controlling and finishing into the back of the net.

After the change of ends Macann again sprinted down the right side and crossed. This time Omkar could not make contact with the ball, but fortunately for St Britto’s Rihadh D’Souza was lurking and placed it in the opposite corner.

“We missed at least six easy chances, but I cannot complain with the result,” remarked St Britto’s Coach Marcelino Pereira.

“This is the first final that we have qualified for the final. We are disappointed to lose, but our opponents also played well,” stated St Clara’s coach Gajanan Kambli.

St Britto’s principal was the chief guest and gave away the certificates, in the presence of Zonal Taluka organizer (Bardez) Nita Pednelkar. St Britto’s PE teacher Pavan kumar was present along with St Clara’s PE teacher Raj Gaunce.

ST XAIVER'S DOMINATE BOYS AND GIRL'S FINAL

In the finals of the girl’s U-19 Inter zonal Interschool football tournament at Campal ground, Panjim, St Xaiver’s HSS, defeated Our lady of Rosary HSS, Dona Paula 4-1 via the tie breaker after the match ended 1-1. Sonali Paunder scored for St Xaiver’s, while Meena Gaunso equalized for Dona Paula.

In the third place playoff match, St Theresa HSS, Candolim thrashed Don Bosco HSS, Panjim 6-0, with a hat-trick from Priti Shinde, a brace from Valencio Rego and a goal from Jenniyc Silva.

First published in Herald on 16^th September 2011.

St Xaiver’s higher secondary school, Mapusa was victorious defeating Don bosco higher secondary school 8-7 via sudden death in the U-19 boys Higher secondary Inter zonal football tournament at St Christopher, Tivim ground on Friday. The match ended 1-1 at normal time, with Gideon Dovi scoring for Xaiver’s, while Aldair Figueria scored for Don Bosco. Government high school, Sanquelim finished third.

First published in Herald on 17^th September 2011.

ST BRITTO'S MOVE INTO FINAL

St Britto’s high school, Mapusa moved into the finals after defeating St Anthony’s high school, Monte de Guirim 3-0 in DSYA U-14 boys Interschool Bardez zone football tournament at Peddem complex here on Tuesday 13^th September 2011.

In the second semi final St Clara’s, Assnora defeated Assagao Union high school, Assagao 3-2 via the tie breaker after the match ended goalless.

In girl’s U17 Interschool football semi final Holy Cross h/s, Siolim overcame St Michael h/s, Vagator 2-0.

Holy Cross higher secondary school, Bastora overcame Holy Cross higher secondary school, Siolim 3-2 via the tie breaker in the girl’s U-17 Bardez Taluka football tournament organized by DSYA at Peddem complex on Thursday. The match ended goalless at the end of normal time.

DON BOSCO NORH DISTRICT U-17 CHAMPIONS

A hat-trick each for Alwyn D’Souza and Ndidi Chukwuma gave Don Bosco Oratory high school, Panjim a massive 8-2 victory over Our lady of Grace high school, Bicholim in the U-17 Subroto Mukerjee North district final at Peddem Complex here on Friday. Don Bosco led 5-1 at the interval.

Within 18 seconds Don Bosco showed their intentions when they worked the ball down the right flank and crossed for Ndidi who hit the post. Four minutes later from a similar situation Ndidi put Don Bosco ahead.

In the 13th minute Ndidi set up Alwyn who finished with style. Don Bosco went three up in the 24th when Alwyn tapped in his second.

Two minutes later at the other end Sitesh Chopdekar pulled a goal back from the penalty spot for Grace.

Just before the break Don Bosco added two more. First Sahil Tavora set up Elison Pereira from a freekick, before Elison repaid the favour by chipping a free kick into the danger area for Sahil to head home.

A t half time, Don Bosco brought on striker Akeraj Martins as they were clearly enjoying themselves in front of goal. Within nine minutes Akeraj was brought down in the box and Ndidi slotted home the penalty.

Shubam Mayekar pulled another goal back for Grace in the 54th minute, but by this stage Don Bosco was firmly in the driving seat.

In the closing stages Alwyn was allowed to walk the ball into the net for his third, before Ndidi punted in his third. Don Bosco will now challenge in the All Goa state final.

First published in Herald on 27^th August 2011.

FR AGNEL PILAR WIN NORTH DISTRICT TITLE

After a titanic battle, Fr Agnel high school, Pilar edged out St Britto’s high school, Mapusa 4-3 via sudden death in the finals of theU-14 Subroto Mukerjee North district final at Peddem complex, Mapusa on Friday. The match ended goalless.

After a tiring week where both teams played on a daily basis to qualify for the final, it looked like neither team had anything left in the tank. To make matters worse the muddy ground seemed to slow down the player’s movement, with power overcoming skill and so it was left to penalties to decide the winner.

In the tie breaker Vilson Colaco, Devon Rebello, Lawrence D’Souza and Nestor Dias scored for Fr Agnel, Keegan Pinto, Roland D’souza and Stephen Martin converted for St Britto’s. Both teams missed their opening two penalties.

Assistant Physical education officer Bardez Taluka Shuba Tupsunda was the chief guest and distributed the certificates, in the presence of Zone 1 zonal sports organizer Agnes Dias.

NEW SAI HOSTEL OPENED

Indian Minister for sports Ajay Maken proudly declared the new construction of the SAI girls hostel opened, at Peddem complex here on Sunday 28^th August 2011. The sports minister, while addressing the school children of local schools and SAI staff used the example of Cuba as an example of a scountry with not good infrastructure, but a great sports culture.

He further stated that the US do not really on the government, but are backed by corporate houses. He believed this can only happen in India if there is transparency in the administration. “We need transparency in the administration and also should try and build a sports culture, “remarked Ajay.

The hostel building consists of 13 rooms for the resident sports women along with a library, dining room, kitchen, pantry, store, entrance foyer, administration section, multipurpose hall, warden’s residence, toilet, sick room and study room.

DSYA Director Dr. Suzanne D’Souza, SAG director VM Prabhudessai, Mapusa MLA Francis D’souza, sports minister Babu Azgaonkar, Mapusa commuindade Dr. Shivanand Gawas and G.O.A president Gurudatta Bhakta were also present and Roque Dias. Juliano Colaco provided the vote of thanks.

SPORTS GOA: FOOTBALL

After the match ended goalless, St Joseph’s high school, Calangute overcame Holy Cross high school, Siolim, 5-4 via the tie breaker in the finals of the U-17 Bardez inter-school football tournament organized by DSYA at Moira ground on Monday.

SAG coach Baptiste Fernandes was the chief guest for the occasion. St Britto’s high school, Mapusa, overcame Holy cross high school, Bastora 9-0 to clinch the third place.

Abel Xaiver netted a hat trick for ST Xaiver’s high school, Mapusa to clinch the title after defeating Government higher secondary school, Sanquelim 3-1 in the finals of the U-19 zone 1 football tournament organized by DSYA at St Christopher ground, Tivim on Monday. Mervin Borges scored a consolation goal for Sanquelim.

Vijananandan hss, Mayem overcame SFX hss, Siolim 5-2 to claim third place. Siddesh Matkar scored a hat-trick, while Sachin Mandrekar and Yogesh Mandraker scored one each. Hari Parab and Steve Fernandes reduced the margin for SFX.

First published in Herald on 30^th August 2011.

Assagao Union high school, Assagao knocked out favourites St Joseph's high school,  Calangute 5-4 via sudden death in the quarter finals of the U-14 Inter school football tournament organised by DSYA at Peddem complex, here on Tuesday. The match ended goalless at full time. The school matches will take a break for the school holidays and will resume in September.

First published in Herald on 31^st August 2011.

SPORTS GOA

Omkar Sawant netted four goals as St Britto’s high school, Mapusa, (Bardez) overcame Peter Alvares memorial high school, Morjim (Pernem) 6-0 in the semi finals of the U-14 north district level football tournament organized by DSYA at Peddem complex here on Wednesday. Jewel Fernandes and Osmiro Trinidade also scored.

In the second semi final, Fr Agnel high school, Pilar defeated Our Lady of Lourdes high school, Valpoi 5-0. Nestor Dias, Suresh Thapa, Kunal Kudnaikar scored before the break, while Aaron Fernandes and Ashley Cardosa added in the second session.

In U-17 Zone 1 football tournament semi finals at Tivim ground, St Xaiver’s higher secondary school, Mapusa beat SFX higher secondary, Siolim 3-1 via the tie breaker after the match ended 1-1.Shubam Shetgaonkar had scored for SFX and Abel Mathew netted for Xaiver’s.

Government higher secondary school, Sanquelim moved past Shri Vijaynand higher secondary school in the second semi final 3-1. Glan Martins, Raju Haldankar and Kasim Sheikh scored Sanquelim. Ciraco Colaco punted in a consolation goal for Shri Vijaynand higher secondary school.

A brace from Vaibhav Hadjakar helped Holy cross high school, Bastora edge out Sacred heart high school, Bastora in the bardez U-14 inter school football tournament organized by DSYA at Moira ground on Wednesday. Selwyn Rodrigues scored Bastora’s third. Anuraj Popkar and Anson Fernandes scored for Sacred heart.

Goals from Abhjit Parwar and Vaibhav Harlankar eased St Thomas high school, Aldona to 2-0 victory over St Anthony’s high school, Duler.

A brace for Joy Naith and Akshay Munakshi put St Joseph’s high school, Calangute on the road to a massive 7-0 win over neighbours little flower high school, Calangute. Domnic Miranda, Dylan Fernandes and Nickey completed the score line.

First published in Herald on 25^th August 2011.

Pandurang Goltekar scored a brace as Holy cross high school, Siolim reached the semi-finals defeating Seminary our lady of Saligao 3-0, in U-17 Inter school Bardez zone football tournament organized by DSYA at Peddem Complex here on Thursday. Aaron Fernandes also scored for Holy Cross.

Leon Fernandes bagged a hat-trick as St Britto’s high school, Mapusa overcame SFX high school, Siolim 6-0. Junior Rodrigues netted two and Nadeem Choudary completed the win.

In the U-14 competition Assagao Union high school, Assagao ousted Lourdes Convent high school, saligao 4-2 on penalties after the match ended in a1-1 draw. Pratesh Shirodkar scored for Assagao and Gauresh Korgaonkar finished well for Lourdes Convent. In the tie breaker Soham Shetgaonkar, Tushar Mishra, Pratesh Parsekar and Roman Noronha scored for Assagao. Gauresh Korgaonkar and Melvyn Fernandes converted for Lourdes Convent.

St Anthony’s high school, Monte de Guirim blanked Chubby Cheeks high school 5-0, Ronald Martins punted in a hat-trick while Lina D’Souza and Brendan Crasto netted one each.

First published in Herald on 26^th August 2011.

SPORTS GOA: FOOTBALL

A brace from Sahil Govekar gave Assagao Union high school, Assagao a resounding 3-0 victory over St Ann’s high school, Tivim in U-14 Bardez zone inter school football tournament organized by DSYA at Peddem complex, Mapusa on Saturday. Soham Govekar scored the third for Assagao.

Our lady of the seminary, Saligao triumphed 4-3 via the tie breaker to knock out sacred heart high school, Anjuna. The match ended 2-2. Samson Simoes scored a brace for Saligao, while Akshay Mandrekar proved equally impressive scoring two free kicks for sacred heart.

First published in Herald on 21^st August 2011.

Oliveria Ronaldo, Thome Tanmaja and Nathan Fernandes were on target as St Anthony’s high school, Guirim defeated GS Amonkar high school 3-0 in U-17 Bardez Taluka Interschool football tournament organized by DSYA at Peddem Complex here on Monday.

In a roundup of the other games, St Joseph’s high school, Clangute defeated St Ann’s highs school, Tivim 5-1, Holy cross high school, Siolim overcame St Clara’s, Assonora 3-0, and St Britto’s high school, Mapusa blanked St Xaiver’s high school, Moira 4-0.

First published in Herald on August 23^rd 2011.

Patrick d’Souza scored a brace as Holy Cross high school, Bastora defeated Don Bosco high school, Calangute 3-0 in U-17 Bardez Taluka Inter school football tournament organized by DSYA at Peddem complex here on Tuesday. Nelson Barla scored the third for Bastora.

Little Flower high school, Calangute got the better of St Thomas high school, Aldona 5-4 on penalties after the game ended goalless.

In the U-14 tournament, Kunal Salgaoncar netted a hat-trick for St Clara’s high school, Assonora as they defeated St Michael’s high school, Vagator 6-0. Vinay Bhogle, Sahil Patil and Ashok kalangutkar were also on target.

Ajay Kudnekar netted the winner as Saraswat Vidyala high school, Mapusa defeated Shree Shanta Vidyala, Siolim 1-0.

 Representing Bardez, St Britto’s high school, Mapusa, defeated Our Lady of Grace high school (Bicholim Taluka) 6-0 in the district level Subroto Mukerjee quarter finals organized by DSYA at Peddem complex here on Tuesday. Omkar Sawant, Joel Fernandes, Emmanuel Souza and maccan Pereira got the goals. St Britto’s will meet Pernem Taluka in the semi-finals.

First published in Herald on August 24^th 2011.

SPORTS GOA: FOOTBALL

SFX high school, Siolim overcame Saraswat Vidayala high school 4-0 in U-17 Bardez Taluka football tournament, organized by DSYA at Peddem complex on Friday. St Joseph’s high school, Arpora defeated Macteteus Kolvevam high school by the same scoreline.

Earlier Holy Cross high school, Bastora edged out St Rita’s high school, Colvale 2-1 and Holy Cross high school, Siolim defeated Chubby Cheeks high school, Povorim 4-1.

In U-14 Bardez Taluka football, Holy cross high school, Siolim knocked out GS Amonkar high school, Mapusa 3-0.

First published in Herald on 20th August 2011.

Sports Goa: Football + Badminton

A brace from Mark D’Cruz helped St Britto’s high school, Mapusa to move into the finals after they hammered Holy Cross high school, Siolim 6-0 in the U-14 Subroto Mukerjee Bardez zone football tournament organized by DSYA at Peddem complex, Mapusa here on Saturday 13 August 2011.

Omkar Sawant netted his sixth goal in three games for St Britto’s, While Macann Pereira, Joel Fernandes and Emmanuel D’Souza were also on target. St Britto’s will meet St Joseph’s high school, Calangute in the final.

In boy’s U-14 Badminton final, Saraswat high school, Mapusa defeated Dona Leona Memorial high school, Povorim 21-1 and 21-5. Chubby Cheeks high school, Povorim defeated Holy Family high school, Povorim 21-13 and 21-17 to clinch third place.

In boys U-19 badminton Bardez zone 1, VMS DVS Kushe higher secondary school, Assagao topped. St Thomas higher secondary school, Aldona were runners up followed by Shree Bhumika higher secondary school, Parya.

Sports Goa: Football + Table Tennis

Omkar Sawant helped himself to a brace as St Britto’s high school, Mapusa moved into the semi finals after defeating St Xaiver’s high school, Moira 2-1 in Subroto Mukerjee U-14 Bardez zone football tournament orgainsed by DSYA at Peddem complex here on Friday. Velroy Dias pulled back a consolation goal for Moira.

Holy cross high school, Siolim kept their nerve in the tie breaker to knock out Sacred heart of Jesus high school, Anjuna 3-0, after the match finished 1-1 after normal time. Mayura Naik opened the scoring for Holy Cross, before Anuraj Popkar netted his second goal in consecutive games to equalize for Sacred heart.

In a hotly contested encounter St Joseph’s high school, Calangute powered past Chubby Cheeks high school, Povorim 1-0 with Joysan D’Souza finding the back of the net.

Soham Govekar and Sanket blasted in to give Assagao Union high school, Assagao a 2-0 win over St Clara’s high school, Assonora. 

Mustfund hss, Panjim were victorious in girl’s U-19 inter-zonal table tennis tournament. St Xaiver’s hss, Mapusa took second place and Don Bosco hss, Panjim finished third.

In the boy’s U-19 Inter-zonal table tennis, Don Bosco hss, Panjim took full honours, followed by St Thomas hss, Aldona and People’s hss, Panjim were third.

First published in Herald on Saturday 13^th August 2011.

Sports Goa: Football + Badminton

Omkar Sawant hit a beautiful hat-trick for St Britto’s h/s, Mapusa as they overcame St Thomas h/s, Aldona 7-1 in the boys U-14 Subroto Mukerjee Bardez zone football tournament, organized by DSYA at Peddem Complex, Mapusa on Thursday.

 Roland D’Souza, Emmanuel Souza, Joel Fernandes and Keegan D’Sousa were on target for St Britto’s. Assagao Union h/s was also in goal scoring mood as they trounced ST Anthony’s h/s Duler 8-0.

Velroy Dias gave St Xaiver’s h/s, Moira a solitary goal victory over St Ann’s h/s, Tivim. ST Clara’s h/s Assonora edged out Holy Cross h/s, Bastora 2-1, with goals from Pranay Gaonkar and Gauresh Bogde. Selwin Fernandes scored a consolation goal for Holy cross.

St Xaiver’s h/s Mapusa finished first in girl’s U-17 Bardez Badminton final. Saraswat Vidayala h/s, Mapusa was runners up, followed by St Mary’s h/s, Mapusa.

First published in Herald on Friday 12^th August 2011.

Sports Goa: Football + Table Tennis

Rajat Sawal and Anslem D’Souza fired in, either side of the break to give Holy cross h/s, Siolim a 2-0 victory over SFX h/s, Siolim in the U-14 Subroto Mukerjee Bardez zone football tournament organized by DSYA, at Peddem complex here on Wednesday.

In the second match, Anurag Popkar lifted the ball over the goalkeeper on the stroke of halftime to give sacred heart h/s, Anjuna a 1-0 win over Lourdes Convent h/s, Saligao.

Joy Naith and Domnic Miranda helped St Joseph h/s, Calangute to a fluent 2-0 win over St Anthony’s h/s, Guirim and in the final game Chubby cheeks h/s Povorim blanked Little flower h/s, Calangute 3-0. Melvyn Ferrao, Mario Pinoch and Aldrich D’Souza did the damage for Chubby Cheeks.

St Xaiver’s hss, Mapusa overcame DM Pvs Kushe hss, Assagao 3-0 in the girl’s U-19  higher secondary Bardez zone 1 table tennis final, organized DSYA at Peddem complex here on Wednesday. Shree Bhumika hss, Parya finished third.

In the boy’s U-19 table tennis final St Thomas hss, Aldona edged out St Xaiver’s hss, Mapusa 3-2. DM Pvs Kushe, Assagao took the third place.

First published in Herald on Thursday 11^th August 2011.

Sports Goa: Chess

St Xaiver’s hss, Mapusa eased their way to victory in the district Inter-zonal Chess U-19 play-offs, organized by DSYA at Peddem complex, Mapusa on Tuesday. SS Samity hss, Ponda took second place while Dempo School of arts and science settled for third place.

Earlier St Xaiver’s hss had won the Zone 1 Bardez title ahead of DMS Kushe hss, Assagao to qualify for the Inter zonal playoffs.

First published in Herald on Wednesday 10^th August 2011.

Sports Goa: Badminton

Holy Family h/s, Povorim proved to be the top shuttlers as they defeated Saraswat Vidayala h/s, Mapusa 21-17 and 21-14 in the U-17 boy’s badminton Bardez Taluka games organized by DSYA at Peddem complex, Mapusa on Monday.

Naresh Tendulkar and Ashish Narvekar made up the victorious Holy Family team. Sujay, Abhishek and Aradhya completed the Saraswat team.

St Britto’s h/s, Mapusa pipped Chubby Cheeks h/s, Povorim to third place. Siddesh and Delton were part of the Britto’s line up winning 21-13 and 21-7. Latesh Mandrekar and Johann Fernandes represented Chubby Cheeks.

First published in Herald on Tuesday 9^th August 2011.

Ben Johnson interview: Seoul to Soul

Former Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson is currently in Goa, with the Tumbar brothers who have been training under him at his sports academy in Canada and are now currently on trial with I-League champions Salgaocar sports club. Aldrid Da Costa caught up with Ben at the Marriot hotel, Goa. The following are excerpts from the interview:

Was there a moment in your youth or a role model who made you decide you want to be an athlete?

My role model when I was younger was Jamaican sprinter Don Quarrie who took part in five Olympics and won the 200m gold medal at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. I have always had a passion for running but to reach the top I believe you are born with it and you have to work hard to sustain it.

What used to run through your mind before a big race?

I used to psyche myself up with self-talk. For instance before the 1988 Seoul Olympics I said “the time has finally come to show the world who the fastest man on the planet is.” I was also encouraged by the belief my parents placed in my ability.

Have you been to any major athletics event as a spectator since you left the sport?

No! I have no interest anymore in the sport; I read about it in the newspaper and research the latest training methods but that’s about it. I am more interested in football now, I follow the FIFA world cup but only when it reaches the last eight and I always support the underdog as they are willing to sacrifice anything to make themselves true winners.

How do you think your two protégés will adapt to Indian football?

My boys are used to European style football, which is to play the ball around until you find an opening and then go for the goal, but In India I have seen the ball being kicked into the air and hope for success. My players will have to study this method and adapt to the tactics as football is a team game.

You had trained Argentine footballer Diego Maradona in the nineties. What was that like?

I was training Diego for three weeks in 1997. Speed training for football is different from athletics as you are continuously changing direction so you have to train your muscles to adapt. Diego had great character and we got on well. I have not spoken to him for three years, but I here he is currently managing in Dubai, so I may pop into see him later in the year just to say hello.

Merelene Ottey is still competing at fifty do you have any plans to return to racing?

I turn 50 this year on December 30th and plan to throw a big party either in Brazil or Australia but have no plans on returning to the track. Last year I did a commercial in Japan where I ran 11.5 seconds without training, but afterwards my groin and pelvis ached for weeks, which told me a lot. Merlene has not taken a break from competing in the last 25 years, so as long as she stays in shape there is no reason why she can’t carry on.

100m and 200m world record holder Usain Bolt has set his sights on the 400m record. Is it possible?

 I think he can be successful at 400m by just training his speed endurance, although I believe he will have to select his events as he will not be able to win all at a single games. In sprinting it is about taking fewer strides to reach the finish line. The less time your feet stay on the ground the better it is. Usain is big and powerful and can apply greater pressure to the track which makes him successful.

Your great rival Carl Lewis has recently moved in to politics. Do you have any political ambitions?

I feel Carl is making a mistake. Politicians are all liars and only do things with self interest. I have no interest in politics, but you have to understand I am in the position I am because of politics, no one can avoid it.

Signing an autograph for a fan in the hotel lobby, he writes 100m 9.79 next to his name, which was his world record time and was subsequently wiped from the history books, but is clearly not forgotten by him. Ben has a self published book cleverly titled “Seoul to soul” coming out soon which he believes is an inspirational story which can help motivate people to deal with whatever life throws at them.

Subroto Mukerjee U-17 bardez zone final

St Xaiver's higher secondary school, Mapusa came back from the dead to defeat an unlucky SFX high school 3-1 in the final of the U-17 Subroto Mukerjee Bardez zone football tournament organised by DSYA at Moira ground, Moira, on Friday. The match was goalless at the interval.

 After piling on the pressure from the kick off, SFX dominated proceedings and deserved to be in front, but could not find the killer finish. Hari Parab's dangerous shot from distance was saved by the Xaiver's custodian and moments later he was called into action again when he raced off his goal line to prevent SFX striker Shubam Shetgaonkar in his tracks.

 Three minutes after the breather, SFX finally got their break through when Jorge Fernandes delightfully curled the ball into the back of the net from a free kick from an awkward angle. SFX could have doubled their slender lead, but the cross bar came to Xaiver's rescue to prevent Hari Parab's 25 yard effort.

 Arnold Fernandes equalised for Xaiver's fifteen minutes later, when he managed to bundle in a floated free kick from close. In the 51st minute from yet another set piece, Gideon Dori popped up unannounced at the back post to head Xaiver's in front for the first time in the match. Seven minutes from time Eban Mathew carefully rounded the SFX goalkeeper before placing in his seventh goal in three matches to finish top goalscorer of the tournament and ensure Xaiver's retain their crown.

 St Joseph's h/s, Calangute edged out St Britto's h/s, Mapusa 4-3 via the tie breaker to clinch the third spot in the Subroto Mukerjee U-17 football at Moira ground, on Friday. Britto's raced into the lead after just eleven minutes through their sharp shooting striker Junior Rodrigues. Midway through the second session when it seemed like St Joseph's were running out of ideas, Clifton Fernandes struck a sublime chip from distance to drag his side back on level terms. 

 In the penalty shootout, Prajot Kerkar, Clifton Fernandes, Edison D'Souza and Alison Fernandes scored for St Joseph's. Junior Rodrigues, Andre D'Souza and James Fernandes scored for Britto's.

First published in Herald on 30^th July 2011.

Sports Goa: Table tennis + Chess

Saraswat Vidayala h/s, Mapusa defeated GS Amonkar h/s, Mapusa by 3-0 in the girl’s U-14 table tennis Bardez zone mini secondary school final, organized by DSYA at Peddem Complex, on Wednesday. St Francis Xaiver, Mapusa overcame St Mary’s h/s, Mapusa 3-1 to secure third place.

In U-17 mini secondary table tennis boy’s final St Thomas h/s, Aldona defeated St Britto's h/s, Mapusa 3-1 to take full honours. St Joseph's h/s Calangute, battled to take third place defeating Saraswat h/s, Mapusa by three straight games.

Saraswat Vidayala h/s, Mapusa finished top with ten and half points, in Mini secondary school Bardez zone U-17 chess tournament organised by DSYA at Peddem complex here on Friday. Krupa Shirodkar, Kuldeep Azgaonkar, Shivam Gawande, Antara Samant and Neha Mutrawadi made up the Saraswat team. Dynanprasarak h/s, mapusa finished second with ten points and Holy family h/s, Povorim finished third with ten points.

First published in Herald on 30^th July 2011.

Subroto Mukerjee U-17 football tournament semi-finals

Eban mathew kept up his goal scoring form by netting a superb hat-trick to send St Xavier's h/s, Mapusa into the finals after defeating St Britto's h/s, Mapusa 3-0 in Subroto Mukerjee U-17 football tournament, organised by DSYA at Peddem complex, here on Thursday.  

 In the other semi final SFX h/s, Siolim, overcame St Joseph's h/s, Calangute 3-0 to reach the final. Hari Parab, Jeramie Kekel and Jason D'souza were on target for SFX.

First published in Herald on 29^th July 2011.

Subroto Mukerjee U-17 football tournament

A brace from Junior Rodrigues ensured St Britto’s h/s, Mapusa progress to the semi finals after knocking out Holy Cross h/s, Siolim 3-0 in Subroto Mukerjee Bardez zone football tournament, organized by DSYA at Peddem complex here on Wednesday. Andre D’souza netted the third for St Britto’s.

St Francis Xavier h/s, Siolim thumped St Ann’s h/s, Tivim 6-1 in another quarter final encounter. Shubam Shetgaonkar opened the scoring from the penalty spot, Saish Goltekar and Hari Parab helped the team netting a brace each, before Ricatil Fernandes sealed victory. Raj kumar pulled a consolation goal back for St Francis Xavier.  

Nesmond Rodrigues punted in a brace as St Joseph’s h/s, Calangute made their way into the last four with a convincing 3-1 win over PVS h/s, Assagao. Clifton Fernandes was also on target for St Joseph’s, while Clyde Velis was the solitary goal scorer for PVS.

First published in Herald on 28^th July 2011.

Sports Goa: Chess + Table Tennis

LD Samant high school topped the final group with twelve points in U-14 mini secondary Bardez zone chess, organized by DSYA at Peddem complex here on Tuesday. Saraswat Vidayala took second place with eleven and a half points and GS Amonkar settled for third place with eleven points.

St Mary’s h/s, Mapusa defeated St Xaiver’s h/s by three straight games in the finals of the girl’s U-17 table tennis tournament. St Rita’s h/s Colvale battled hard for third spot as they overcame GS Amonkar 3-2.

On Monday, in boys U-14 mini secondary table tennis competition GS Amonkar h/s, Mapusa defeated Saraswat Vidayla h/s, Mapusa in the final by three straight games.

St Thomas high school, Aldona defeated Holy cross high school, Bastora 2-1 to take the third place position.

Subroto Mukerjee U-17 Football

Eban Mathew netted a fine hat-trick as St Xaiver’s h/s, Mapusa overcame St Anthony’s h/s, Monte de Guirim 6-0 to move into the semi finals of the Subroto MukerjeeU-17 boys football tournament organized by DSYA at Peddem complex, Mapusa on Tuesday. Abeer Lall, Sadam Banate and Agnelo Fernandes also found the target for Xaiver’s.

In the remaining first round matches, St Francis Xaiver’s h/s, Siolim overcame Lourdes convent h/s, Saligao 9-0. Harib parab bagged five while team mates Saish Goiter, Shubam Shetgaonkar, Brice Fernandes and Prasad Vengalekar completed the victory.

Holy cross h/s, Siolim defeated St Clara h/s, Assonora 3-0 with goals from Pandurang Goltekar, Alton D’Souza and Tresford Barros. Goals from Raj Kumar Sorem, Nadeem Sheikh and Anson Mendes ensured St Ann’s Tivim marched on by knocking out St Anthony’s h/s, Duler 3-0.

First published in Herald on 27^th July 2011.

Subroto Mukerjee U-17 Football

In the opening Subroto U-17 football match, St Brittos high school, Mapusa converted their chances as they defeated St Theresa high school, Candolim 2-0. St Brittos led by solitary goal at the lemon break at peddem Complex, Mapusa on Monday.

Leon Fernandes used his pace to give St Britto’s the lead early on. After the change of ends Junior Rodrigues punted into secure victory for Britto’s and send them into the quarter finals.

In the afternoon fixture, St Anthony’s Guirim stormed to a convincing 5-0 victory. Goals from Ashwin Barbosa, Tomar Tenkja, Simon Dias, Rosmand Rodrigues and Jason Noronha powered Guirim home.

First published in Herald on 26^th July 2011.

Boxers prepare for Nationals in Goa

By Aldrid Da Costa

With a right hook, left jab, followed up with a quick succession of upper cuts to the chin, the young pugilists went through their combinations, eager to catch the eye of the boxing selectors at ringside, at the trials in Campal’s indoor stadium, Panjim on Thursday.

With no wild card entries, it was certain only the fittest would survive, as the Goa boxing association set about the task of selecting the sub junior girls and junior men for the nationals in Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan respectively. “The sub junior girls can only fight girls the same age as themselves and weight is also a criteria, while the junior men are ranked in fourteen categories starting from pin weight (46kg to heavy weight (80kg+),” stated SAG boxing specialist Praveen Shirodkar.

The hopefuls romped out of their respected corners quickly enough, as they knew that they only had one round to prove their mettle. It was a test of real aggression, rather than plodding along trying to go the distance, with no Mohammed Ali showboating shuffle in sight. “That’s my son in there”, screamed one proud excited mother.

The referee would occasionally intervene to ensure that the mouth guards were safely in place. With the adrenaline pumping on the sidelines, the athletes limbered up one by one; shadow boxing; smelling the sweet smell of victory in their gloves and waiting on the cusp of glory for their moment.

The match ups were pulsating to say the least, with two exciting bouts in particular. The first saw two lightweights go toe to toe for the entire three minutes.

The second, witnessed one boxer brutally chase his opponent around the ring like a lion narrowing down on his prey, knocking him to the canvas on three separate occasions with the bell eventually coming to his mercy.

What about the dangers associated with the sport (or science as described by some)? “At amateur level, all participants are wearing head gear to prevent any serious danger, it is a little bit more challenging for unskilled fighters, but to be honest I used sustain more injuries playing basketball,” reasoned GBA secretary Clyde Lobo.

As the session came to a close, the next potential Vijendra Singh’s and Mary Kom’s skipped out of the gym, with no scar’s on their face. The only marks these combatants would hope to succumb too are the sports policy marks, and you bet they earned them!

First published in Herald on July 1^st 2011

Healthy changes in B P Ed course

By ALDRID DA COSTA

“People wanting to live a fit healthy life is on the rise, and this course will help you make a real difference,” stated Don Bosco College principal Dr. Marie Raj after disclosing the exciting changes to the Bachelor of physical education course which kick starts from July 1, at the Don Bosco college in Panjim, which is the only college affiliated with Goa University in the state offering the course which is aimed at graduate sportspersons to make a career.

Speaking to Herald, Dr Marie Raj mentioned that the institute has added a special sports management module which will help youngsters who are looking to get into the ever expanding business of gym fitness centre’s. 

The college also has a special tie up with one of Europe’s leading universities, the Porto University’s department of physical education department and sports sciences since 2009. The university has invited students for research and do the master’s and doctorate studies, she added.

The B P Ed students will be trained daily from 6.30 a.m. and in the evening till 6.30 p.m. with adequate breaks in between with emphasis on practicals. They will have to select two sports from, cricket, hockey, badminton and tennis, while two combative sports will also have to be chosen from Judo, Taekwondo and boxing. Football, volleyball, basketball, handball, khabbaddi, kho kho and athletics are compulsory subjects. 

There are fifty places available with twenty five reserved for Goans. Those who have a Bachelors degree in any stream with a score of 45% can apply, but preferences will be given to sports people who have represented their school at state and national level.

With Goa adopting the sports policy, there will be need for more PE teachers in schools in the future. Besides, with the national games and new infrastructure being planned on a massive scale, there will be plenty of scope for qualified persons, stated Fr Wilfred Fernandes, manager of the college, who appealed to graduate persons to avail of the opportunity in the college in Goa offering the one year’s degree course.

First published in Herald on June 22^nd 2011.