CHURCHILL BROTHERS FINISH TOP

SPORTS GOA: GOAN SPORTS FAN'S FAVOURITE!

After going down 1-5 in their opening match to Dempo sports club in the U-20 I-league preliminary round, Churchill Brothers Sports Club managed to fight their way back into contention to finish on six points and qualify in top spot after consecutive wins against Sporting Clube de Goa 2-1 and Salgaocar Sports Club 1-0.

“In the first game we were leading 1-0 against Dempo until the last twenty minutes when we conceded five goals. I sat down with the boy’s and told them the mistakes they were making defensively which I am happy we fixed in time,” remarked Churchill manager Willie Moraes.

Willie felt that his young side was playing too many short passes at the back and wanted possession to be controlled in their opponents half instead. He also switched from man to man marking to zonal marking which paid dividends.

Having made special trips to watch his opponents play during the Taca Goa U-20 tournament last month he then sat down with coach Alfred Fernandes and devised strategies to overcome them.

“I am really proud the way my player’s motivated themselves for victory. After defeating Sporting Clube they felt they could go on and win against Salgaocar to top the group, even though a draw would have been sufficient to qualify,” stated Willie.

Last year the age group tournament was held as a U-19 competition, where Churchill represented Goa in the final round after topping the initial round. In Kolkotta they did not do so well, losing all three of their group matches 0-2 to eventual winners JCT, 3-4 to East Bengal and 1-4 to Mumbai football club, but this year are hoping to make a greater impact.

“The tournament last year was played in June during the monsoons on a muddy waterlogged pitch, which made it virtually impossible to string passes together,” reasoned Willie.

Another factor which seriously crippled Churchill’s chances was the new footballs, which they were handed the evening before the first game. “The ball’s they used over there were very bouncy and needed time to get used to,” said Willie.

The same balls were used in this season’s preliminary competition and Willie found that the longer they trained with the balls they slowly got accustomed to them.

The final round is scheduled to take place between the 6-19 May at Kalyani, West Bengal and Willie cannot wait for the tournament to get underway, although he is happy to have nearly three weeks to prepare.

“Last year Severino Fernandes was the coach and he did a brilliant job. Watching him in action, I have become very motivated and I believe this set of boy’s can achieve something special and keep the Churchill Brothers flag flying high,” signed of Willie.

FIRST PUBLISHED IN HERALD ON APRIL 28TH 2012.

PORTUGUESE PROFESSEUR SPEAKS ON "SOCIOLOGY IN SPORT " IN GOA!

SPORTS GOA: Goan Sports fans favourite!

“We are rapidly moving to a culture of non-movement, where we prefer to use the escalator and elevators in everyday life rather than walk, which is of great concern,” stated Dr. Ana Luisa Periera addressing a workshop on “Sociology of sport”, at Vivanta by Taj, in Panjim, on Sunday.
She added that there should be compulsory a minimum of at least three hours of physical education for all school children per week to tackle health concerns such as childhood obesity, which she felt was greatly on the increase.

 In Portugal she mentioned that the physical education teacher plays an important role, because it is them who motivates and also recommends their students to attend sports club as part of extra curriculum activities if they are showing an interest for the sport.

Due to globalization, Dr. Ana felt that countries around the world are developing similar sub-cultures as the internet and modern technology is having a huge impact on youngsters and taking them away from traditional sports activities.“In the past young boy’s used to play soccer in the streets, ironically in Portugal today football academies are looking to replicate street football as part of their training, as the youth prefer to play Fifa games on their playstation.”

Dr. Ana elaborated on the “golden triangle of sport sociology”, which ecompasses professional sport, media and sponsors. She expressed that professional football clubs such as Manchester United use the media to promote their brand across the globe which makes it appealing for sponsors to invest in the sport, which in turn has a great influence on the sports a population takes up.

Using the example of her own country Portugal, she said that most youngsters want to play football because it is given extensive coverage in the news. Build up for matches can start five days in advance which attracts people from all groups of society. 

Dr. Ana also exposed the hidden curriculum that takes place in schools across the world, which is used to discriminate and maintain the status quo in society, which she believed had strong ramifications on the role of sports, as certain social classes are segregated from playing elite sports and sometimes sports equipment is expensive which deters people from taking up a certain sport.

The audience made up of strong personalities from sports in Goa felt that the topic on “sociology of sport” was a relevant one to the state and fully appreciated Dr. Ana’s contribution.
Fr Ian Figueredo, provincial, Salesian's Panjimand Konkan Province inaugurated the programme in the presence of VM Prabhuduesai, SAG'S Executive director,. Fr Wilfred Fernandes, administrator, welcomed. Dr Marie Raj principal, proposed the vote of thanks.

The workshops are being organised by Don Bosco Oratory in collaboration with SAG, GFA, Sporting Clube de Goa, and Daily Bread under the Memorandum of understanding with Porto Univerity's Department of physical education and Sports Sciences.

First published in Herald on Monday 6th February 2012.

AUSTRALIAN GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL COACHING CAMP HELD IN GOA!

SPORTS GOA: Goan Sports fans favourite!

The community grass roots football 5-day training camp under the aegis of the Goa Football Association in collaboration with Football Federation Australia came to an end on Friday at Duler stadium, Mapusa.
Twenty five coaches completed the coaching programme which started on 30th January, conducted by experienced Australian coaching instructor Mr. Norm Boardman. Goan coaches Gavin Araujo and Fausto Lobo assisted the Instructor.

The resource person’s slogan “better coaches, better football!” proved appropriate as the coaches were guided through football skilled themes such as first touch, running with the ball, 1v1, striking and focused mainly on exciting challenging game related sessions, rather than drills.

The acronym C.H.A.N.G.E I.T. (coaching style, how you score/win, area, numbers, game rules, equipment, inclusion, time) was continuously impressed on the coaches.

The participants were assessed individually on a specific topic and were given valuable pointers and the necessary tools to improve on their performance in the future. On the last day a small fun five-a-side tournament was arranged.

This was the second visit by the dedicated coaching instructor Norm Boardman to Goa in the last four months. In the future the GFA hopes that more students, players and club representatives interested in coaching come forward to avail of the unique youth development certified scheme.

Photo: participants on the course along with coach instructor Norm Boardman.
(Top row L to R) Alan Nazerath, Marcelino Pereira, Gajanan Kauthankar, Bibiano Fernandes, Anand Adkoukar, Terence D’Souza,  Mohan Parab, Mahesh Kambli, Agostinho D’Costa.
 (Middle) Laura Estibeiro, Aldrid Da Costa, Loyed Mascarenhas, Fausto Lobo (assistant instructor), Norm Boardman (coach instructor), Gavin Araujo (assistant instructor), Derick Christopher, Menino Afonso, Naresh Virnodkar, Zeena Soares.
(Bottom) Caetano Xaiver, Milagres Carvalho , Domnic Pereira, Ryan Cardosa, Purushottam Mapari, Saliya Shaikh, Jude Fernandes, Deggie Cardoza.
Leroy Almeida (not in picture)

First appeard at http://www.goa-fa.com/ on Saturday 4th February 2012.

DEMPO RELEASE WEBSITE, MERCHANDISE & PLAN ACADEMY WITH DANISH CLUB!

SPORTS GOA: Goan Sports fans favourite!

Striker Myron Manuel Fernandes of Mapusa and midfielder Aniston Jenslie Fernandes of Betalbatim were the two young Dempo sports club players selected for a three month elite training camp in Dennmark starting in February, as part of Dempo’s unique youth player development programme in collaboration with FC Midtyjlland.
The announcement was made on Saturday at a press conference at Dempo house, in Panjim along with the release of the new interactive Dempo club website and official merchandise, released at the hands of club president and Goa Football association president Shrinivas V. Dempo. Dempo also expressed the plans for a Dempo academy in Goa within eighteen months.
While the audience was serenaded by the new Dempo anthem which was created recently by a die-hard Dempo fan Anthony Nunes, the website http://www.demposportsclub.com/ was presented. A member from Rubiq solutions who designed and are hosting the website, described the main functions, which included all upcoming fixtures, video highlights of press conferences and a Fan zone to bring the community closer to the game. Dempo also added that they are aiming to have minute by minute score updates of Dempo games as part of the websites dynamic and informative characteristics.
In regards to merchandise Dempo acknowledged that there is still a long way to go in terms of earning revenue from merchandise in India, but believed now was the right time for the club to branch out in this field as another way of reaching out to the fans. A t-shirt with the Dempo Eagle crest was unveiled along with the usual extras such as coffee mugs, keyrings and wristband’s, all in the traditional blue and white of the club.
The chief guest Claus Steinlein, the head of the Danish academy who specialises in unearthing players, spoke of his elaborate plans for improving Indian football. Claus admitted that before the tie up with Dempo he did not know much about football in India, but after visiting Goa last year he was hugely surprised by the football on show.
Claus stated that football has a long way to go in India due to the popularity of cricket, but felt the future was bright and rather humorously remarked that he can envisage the day when Dennmark will play India at the 2022 world cup, but of course felt Dennmark would win. Claus had one parting message, “Unlike Goa, Dennmark is extremely cold, so Myron and Aniston should pack a lot of extra clothing as they get set to embark on their training,” reasoned Claus.
Myron Fernandes is a former student of St Britto’s high school, Mapusa and has played for Goa United and Benny XI, before joining Dempo’s age group teams. He has twice travelled to the UK for training, once with Leicester city through the Gary Lineker scholarship and also with the Manchester United soccer schools. In 2008 he visited Portugal touring with the Goa U-15 team.
This is Aniston’s first trip out of the country and he is looking forward to it. He represented St Jude’s high school, Betalbatim and played for Ave Maria Athletic & walker club U-14 team, before joining Dempo Juniors.
Standing in for coach Armando Colaco who was prevented from attending due to medical advice, Dempo assistant coach Mauricio Afonso spoke of the fantastic facilities he got to view first hand on his trip to Dennmark last year, “There was specific training for players and there were even individual coaches, something that we would like to bring to Dempo eventually,” said Mauricio.
Dempo mentioned that the club are planning to build an academy within eighteen months, but felt it was too early at this stage to say where it would be, “we have a couple of places that we own where it could be set up, but Claus preferred a different site that we had visited and we are in the process of seeing if we can acquire the land,” stated Dempo. Dempo added that they would try to accommodate a roof in the design in order for it to be utilised during the monsoons.
Present on the occasion was Satyajeet Sadanandan, president of new world consulting India, the firm which brought Dempo and FC Midtyjlland together. Gfa general secretary Alberto Colaco, along with executive members Savio Messias, Alirio Lobo and Uday Lingudkar were present. The entire Dempo squad along with manager Custodio Almeida and goalkeeping coach Camilio Gonsalves were also present.

FIRST PUBLISHED IN HERALD ON SUNDAY 29TH JANUARY 2012.

SOUTH KOREANS WIN IN GOA!

SPORTS GOA: Goan Sports fans favourite!

Hong San Won, won the match for Hallelujah football club after scoring the decisive penalty to edge out Archbishop Goa XI 6-7 via the tie breaker in an International football exhibition match at Duler stadium, here on Thursday.
In the friendliest of matches, Hallelujah defender An Dong Eun received the only yellow card of the match for his push on the back of Archbishop’s Milagres Gonsalves. The after dance by the visting team got the biggest applause of the afternoon.
“The Goa team played much better in this game and we missed many chances to score, although the atmosphere was not the same as the flood lit match. You also have to give a lot of credit to the Salgaocar boy’s who played just 24 hours earlier in the Goa Pro League,” reasoned Arhcbishop Goa XI manager Lawrence Gomes.
In the eight minute, Hallelujah clearly showed their intentions, when Park sang Hyun rifled a stinging drive against the post.
Three minutes later, danger man Hallelujah’s Jung Jae Yoon hit the outside of the post after receiving a pass from Park Han Woong. 
On the half hour mark Hallelujah’s Yoon Dong Hyun had his goal rightly ruled offside by the referee’s assistant.
Archbishop’s best attempt came when captain Fr. Valentine Alvares crossed and Milagres wonderfully dummied, but Valzinho shot over the cross bar.
In the second session, both team’s made four changes each, mainly looking to increase their scoring options.
Within ten minutes, Archbishop’s Gabriel Fernandes saw his wonderful strike from outside the box tipped over the cross bar, by the rival goalkeeper. Five minutes later, Milagres headed the ball into the back of the net, from a Valzinho free kick, but the referee disallowed the goal as there was an infringement with Hallelujah custodian.
In the remaining part of the half hallelujah steamed forward on numerous occasions, with the threat coming mainly from substitute defender Kim Hyun Gee, but the Goa defence stood firm and so it would be penalties which would decide the fate of this tie.
The successful penalty takers for Hallelujah were Jung Jae Yoon, Oh Gi Jae, Kim Dong Hyo, Kim Hyun Gee, Shin Hyun kuk, Ju Myeong Gyo and Hong San won.
Valzinho Fernandes, Basileo Rego, Wellington Fernandes, Fulgencio Cardozo, and Perryson Rebello converted for Archbishop Goa XI, while Rosario Mendes saw his attempt come back of the cross bar.
Gfa south vice president Elvis Gomes was the chief guest and gave away the winner’s trophy. Gfa north vice president Lavinio Rebello along with Gfa Bardez members Alirio Lobo, Uday Lingudkar and Babli Mandrekar were present. Jesus Ribeiro splendidly compeered the event and thanked Kennedy D’Silva for organizing the event. 
Milagres Gonsalves was awarded the best forward prize, Keenan Almeida received the best defender award and Macklas Moraes won the best goalkeeper award, all from Archbishop Goa XI.
Kim Jun Sung of Hallelujah was awarded the best defender of his team and striker Jung Jae Yoon was adjudged the man of the match.

FIRST PUBLISHED IN HERALD ON 27TH JANUARY 2012.

GOA-L CUP IVth EDITION

SPORTS GOA: Goan Sports fans favourite!

Mapusa boys defeated Saligao boys 3-2 via the tie breaker in the IVth edition of the GOA-L cup organized by the Goa Learning Soccer School at Saraswat ground, Mapusa recently. Eight teams participated in the league cum knock out tournament.

Kapil Gawade, Keegan D'sa, Vibanshu Mandrekar, Manthan Vengurlekar and Siddharaj Pilankar made up the winning team. Pruthvesh Pednekar was voted the player of the tournament and Anshul Lanjekar was adjuged the most improved player.

The competition brought an end to the 21 day football camp organized by the Goa Learning Soccer School (GOA-L), in Mapusa and Saligao. Fourty four participants aged between 10 and 14 took part in the three week programme which focused on teaching the fundamentals of football in a fun environment. 

REMO VISITS YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP

 

SPORTS GOA: Goan Sports fans favourite!

Goa's famous musician REMO FERNANDES, gave a few words of encouragement and posed for a photo with the pupil's of The GOA Learning Soccer School (GOA-L), at Saligao church recently.

The players were excited to meet  him as they had grown up listening to his music and were even more thrilled after getting to shake hands with the Goan music legend.

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.
 

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.