TUESDAY, MAY 07, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: The inaugural Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy, a new annual tournament that will be a major event in the Goan football calendar will be played in the month of May, announced the Goa Football Association (GFA) at a press briefing in city on Friday.
The tournament will begin on May 4, and culminate in the final on May 18. A total of 11 teams will participate, including the top three teams from the Goa Pro League, two outstation teams, and six other Goa Pro League teams that will play qualifiers.
“The Bhausaheb Bandodkar Trophy will be the marquee event of this season,” stated GFA President Caitano Fernandes.
“We are committed to Goan football, and this tournament is a testament to that commitment. We are excited to see the best teams from Goa and India competes for this prestigious trophy,” he added.
The chief guest at the launch ceremony was Swetika Sachan, IAS, Secretary (Sports), Government of Goa. She congratulated the GFA for reviving the tournament and expressed her hope that Goan players will continue to excel and represent the State at the national level.
“It is very heart-warming. I would like to congratulate the GFA for reviving the tournament,” stated Swetika Sachan.
“Since football is the State’s sport, our aim should now be to get players into the Indian team. Your recent performances have been impressive, and I believe we can be even more ambitious. Goa has the potential to be a true contender in the next National Games and bring laurels to the State. I am extremely hopeful for the future."
The Goa Football Association also unveiled the tournament logo and trophy in the presence of chief guest and guest of honour Dr Geeta Nagvekar, Executive Director of Sports Authority of Goa (SAG)
The tournament draw was also conducted, with the qualifiers and group stages set to take place from May 3 to 18. All matches will be played at the Duler Stadium, Mapusa.
Speaking to the O Heraldo, GFA Vice-President (North) Jonathan de Sousa said the tournament would have an international flavour in the second edition and they were already talking to teams in Australia, England, Scotland and Argentina. They had not decided on the format of the tournament and it could mean one or two international teams featuring in the tournament.
Arjuna awardee and former India goalkeeper Brahmanand Sankhwalkar said, “It was a wonderful development and even though it was a brand new tournament it had the name of the man who did so much for football in the State. This tournament will bring about memories of the old days.”
