In an exhilarating and unforgettable debut, Lazy Boys created history by clinching the coveted Goa Handball League 5.0 championship organised by Goa Handball Academy.
The tournament saw 6 teams compete in a thrilling battle for supremacy, but it was Lazy Boys who stole the spotlight with their impeccable team spirit, unwavering determination to put together a string of unforgettable performances.
The team led by their charismatic captain Shahim, consisted of young, talented handballers from across Goa, each showcasing remarkable skill, grit, and resilience throughout the tournament. Their journey to the top was nothing short of spectacular, overcoming challenges, pushing through tough encounters, and ultimately triumphing in a nail-biting final.
The grand finale saw Lazy Boys face off against Flying Handballers. The final was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams battling tooth and nail. In a dramatic turn of events, Lazy Boys triumphed 22-21, clinching the Goa Handball League trophy in their very first season, creating history as the tournament’s debutants. The team’s resilience and teamwork were on full display as they held their nerves to secure a narrow but glorious win. Earlier in the semi-final, Lazy Boys faced the formidable Friends Handballers, the top team from the other group. The match was one-sided, with Lazy Boys emerging victorious 25-13, showcasing their superior skill and determination.
The success of Lazy Boys was not just limited to their team performance; individual players also garnered prestigious accolades at the awards ceremony. Shreyas Morudkar, the dynamic and ever-reliable goalkeeper, was crowned the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Valerius Fernandes, a star with an eye for the goal, emerged the Highest Goal-scorer of the tournament, further cementing his reputation as a star in Goa’s handball scene.
The Player of the Tournament award went to none other than Gourav Lakhan Singh, a former India player whose brilliant leadership, experience, and all-around play were instrumental in Lazy Boys’ historic victory.
Behind Lazy Boys’ success was a group of incredibly talented and dedicated players who worked relentlessly to achieve glory. Alongside the stalwart Shahim, the team boasted players like the agile Valerius Fernandes, the ever-present Gourav Lakhan Singh, the rock-solid Shreyas Morudkar, the tenacious Dattaprasad Pednekar, and a smart Nathan D’Souza. The team also benefitted from the contributions of dynamic Samesh Naik, the versatile Valens Fernandes, the dependable John D’Souza, the unflappable Amit Naik, the resilient Aliston D’Souza, and the determined Sohail Makari, each bringing their unique qualities to the team’s success.
The team’s achievements are also a testament to the guidance of a highly capable coaching and administrative staff, including Dr. Elroy Pinto, Dr. Shailesh Chodankar, Dr. Savio Fernandes, Dr. Michael Dias, and Siddhesh Kesarkar, who have played a vital role in nurturing the team’s potential and steering them towards victory.
The success of Lazy Boys would not have been possible without the visionary leadership of team owners Dr. Clifton Fernandes and Jonathan Faleiri. Their commitment to nurturing local talent and building a competitive team has been instrumental in the team’s meteoric rise in the Goa Handball League.
