MAPUSA: The Goa Football Association (GFA) honoured Vijayadevi Rane, Clara Gonsalves e Fernandes and Pearl Viegas for their contribution to promoting football among women on the occasion of International Women’s Day, at Duler Stadium, here, on Sunday.
To mark the celebrations, the GFA organized a day-long football festival for women.
Vijayadevi Rane, the first ever president of the Women’s Football Association of Goa (WFAG); Clara Gonsalves e Fernandes, the first ever secretary of WFAG and Pearl Viegas for her contribution to promoting the game among women received mementos and plaques for their immense contribution to The Beautiful Game.
The programme was organised to recognise, celebrate and promote the development of women’s football in alignment with the All India Football Federation’s. It also supports the Asian Football Confederation’s celebration of the International Women’s Day across Asia.
Various competitions 6-a-side football matches, tie-breaker, shooting the target, juggling were held and saw enthusiastic participation from all the women present.
Elvis Gomes, president of GFA, recounted the glory days of women’s football and reiterated GFA’s commitment. The programme was attended by Mona Walgren, a key member of the Swedish selection that played a series of matches across India against the Indian team in the late 1970s. Juliana Gurjao e Colaco, chairperson of GFA Women’s Football sub-committee along with other members Victor Gonsalves, Osvaldo D’Costa and Vera Pires were also present.
