Student Mohamad Farhan Nagnoor of Holy Spirit Institute, Margao, was part of a historic Goan rugby squad that won the Gold Shield at the Paradise Touch Rugby Tournament held in Kandy, Sri Lanka, on September 5 and 6, 2026.
The Crocotryles Rugby Foundation became the first team from Goa to participate in an international rugby tournament, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the state.
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The 13-member squad was led by Coach and Captain Brandan, with Bee Trotter and Dave Trotter serving as coaches and Snehal as vice-captain. The team comprised seniors Sumit, Anniya, Precilla and Desiree, along with juniors Abdullah, Mohamad Farhan Nagnoor, Prabhakar, Jasmin, Elaine, Jennika and Utkarsha.
In the tournament, Brandan and Snehal emerged as the team’s top scorers with four tries each, followed by Abdullah with three. Anniya, Prabhakar and Jasim contributed one try each, while Farhan also made valuable contributions to the team’s campaign.
Farhan’s participation and the team’s success have brought recognition to Holy Spirit Institute and highlighted the sporting talent being nurtured among young Goans.
The Management, Headmistress, teaching and non-teaching staff, and students of Holy Spirit Institute, Margao, congratulated Farhan and the entire Crocotryles Rugby Foundation team on their international achievement.
The Gold Shield victory marks a proud moment for Goan rugby, while Farhan’s achievement adds another milestone to the sporting journey of Holy Spirit Institute.
