Marina EM School, Verna, emerged the champions of the all-Goa five-a-side invitational Inter-school football tournament organised by Don Bosco Past Pupils, Mormugao Unit, and Don Boso Oratory, Panjim, at DBO artificial turf in Panaji. In all sixteen schools slugged it out in the day-long tournament.
Marina EM School, Verna, clashed with Regina Martyrum High School, Assolna, in the final. Although it seemed like a good contest was on the cards, the match turned out to be one-sided where the Verna-based school thrashed their rivals 5-0 to lift the impressively-crafted glittering trophy.
Earlier, St. Joseph HS, Calangute, and Fr Agnel HS, Pilar, went down in the semi-finals to Regina Martyrum and Marina EMS respectively.
The tournament was played on league-cum-knockout basis wherein 16 teams were divided into four groups. Two top teams from each group, qualified for the quarter-finals.
The following teams took part – St.Jude H.S,Betalbatim; St. Micheal H.S, Taleigao; Fr.Agnel H.S, Pilar; Regina Mundi H.S, Chicalim; F.Agnel H.S Pilar (Reds),; Fr.Agnel Multipurpose H.School, Verna; St. Britto H. S, Mapusa; Marina English H. S, Verna; Our Lady of Grace H.S, Bicholim; Don Bosco H. S, Panjim; Regina Martyrum H. S, Assolna; St. Joseph H. S, Calangute; 13. Infant Jesus H.S, Colva ; St. Xaviers H. School, Moira; O.L. of Lourdes H.School, Utorda; Don Bosco H. S, (Blues) Panaji.
Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee Brahmanand Shankhwalkar, and Lector Mascarenhas, secretary of Goa Football Association, graced the occasion as guests for the Final. They enjoyed the semi-finals and finals and motivated the youngsters to scale bigger heights with hardwork and sincerity. Being true sportspersons, they appreciated and congratulated the organising secretary Luis Fernandes for conducting the tournament in style.
The following Individual prizes were awarded:
Upcoming Player of the Tournament: Leo Miranda of Regina Martyrum H.School, Assolna.
Best Player of the tournament: Anish Kholkar, Don Bosco H.School, Panjim
Highest Scorer of the Tournament: Shaunak Salgaonkar, St.Joseph H.School, Calangute
Best goalkeeper of the tournament: Melburn Silva, Regina Martyrum H.School, Assolna.
Fair Play Awardee team: St.Xavier H.School, Moira.
