The world of football is about to witness a remarkable feat as Team Boom Boom Goa gears up to compete in the world finals of the Four-2-Score tournament in Leipzig, Germany. This achievement, however, is not just about their footballing prowess; it’s a story of determination, unwavering passion, and unyielding support that touches the heart.
The journey to the world finals was not without its challenges. The six-member team faced a major setback when their Schengen visa applications were rejected by the German Council, leaving them disheartened. For these aspiring football stars, competing in the world finals was a chance to showcase their talent and make India proud. But with the visa issue, it seemed like their dreams were slipping away.
Undeterred by adversity, Valerian Rodrigues, a team official of Boom Boom Goa, took charge of the situation. Exhausting all possible avenues, he refused to give up until he sought the assistance of Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant who intervened and championed the cause of the team’s visa appointments. This proved to be the turning point, paving the way for the team’s visa approval.
The support didn’t stop there. News of the team’s plight reached Kalyan Chaubey, President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), who recognized the potential of these young athletes. Despite the tournament not being an official FIFA event, Chaubey understood the importance of nurturing footballing talent and fostering the spirit of sportsmanship. His support went beyond financial aid; it was a testament to the love he has for the beautiful game and the resilience of these players.
Finally, on July 31, Boom Boom Goa successfully obtained their visas, setting their journey in motion. They are all set to fly to Germany on August 2, with the tournament commencing on August 4.
Valerian Rodrigues expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the State government, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and Goa Sports Minister Govind Gaude, as well as Kalyan Chaubey and Rahul Tendulkar, for the unwavering support they received during the past week.
This achievement is not just a victory for Boom Boom Goa but also a historic milestone for Goa and India as a whole. It marks the first time a team from Goa will represent India in the World finals of the Four-2-Score tournament. As the team sets off for their extraordinary journey, the nation eagerly awaits, cheering them on every step of the way.
