Team Herald
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PANJIM: The Servo Cup – 3rd All-Goa Inter-Collegiate Football Tournament organised by the Herald Group in association with Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs (DSYA) and Goa University and supported by Walbrue and Magsons, will kick-off on December 23, at the government football ground, Santa Cruz.
The tournament will conclude on January 3 and will feature 14 college teams from across the State. The competition aims to strengthen grassroots football by offering a competitive and structured platform for emerging collegiate talent.
The opening match promises an exciting start, with Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Miramar, locking horns with Fr Agnel College of Arts and Commerce, Pilar. The encounter carries added intrigue following Fr Agnel Pilar’s emphatic 8-0 win over Dhempe College earlier this year, with the Miramar side keen to stage a strong comeback.
Dhempe College will look to midfielder Kunal Bicoji to dictate play, with Pranav Pednekar and Rudraksh Kankonkar anchoring the defence, while Gaurav Bandodkar will lead the attack.
Fr Agnel Pilar, on the other hand, will depend on a potent attacking unit spearheaded by Pritam Basak, alongside Tanvesh, Ruben, Shaniel Lucas, Joven Fernandes and Nayan Chetri.
In the second match of the day, MES College will square off against Government College, Khandola. MES College enter the fixture with confidence after reaching the semi-finals of the Goa University Inter-Collegiate Football Tournament earlier this season.
MES College will rely on Akash Singh between the posts, Nihal Shaikh in the defence, Pradeep Bind in the midfield and Shravan Khanavekar upfront.
Government College, Khandola, will field an attacking combination featuring Atharv Desai and Veron Fernandes at centre forward, flanked by Satyam Kankonkar on the left wing and Shreyash Palkar on the right.
The tournament is backed by leading corporate partners with IndianOil, through its Servo brand, as the title sponsor. IndianOil General Manager – Corporate Communications, Western Region, Dr Abhishek Kumar said, “The company is proud to partner with the Herald Group in promoting youth development, teamwork and sportsmanship through football.
Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs Director Dr Ajay Gaude noted that the tournament serves as a vital platform for young sportspersons to display their skills while fostering discipline and the growth of grassroots football in the State.
Emphasising on player’s safety, Directorate of Health Services Director Dr Rupa Naik said, “The Directorate of Health Services will depute an ambulance at the venue to ensure the safety of all players and provide immediate medical assistance if required.”
Expressing support for the initiative, a spokesperson from Walbrue said that the brand is delighted to associate with the Servo Cup and support initiatives that promote youth engagement, sports culture and community development in Goa.
Kirit Maganlal of Magsons said, “Magsons is proud to support student athletes by ensuring they stay energised and refreshed. Promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging youth sports remains at the core of our commitment to the Goan community.”
With competitive fixtures lined up on the opening day, the Servo Cup – 3rd All Goa Inter-Collegiate Football Tournament is set to deliver thrilling football action and intense rivalry from the opening whistle.
