Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: RSB Cochin emerged as the new champions of the All India Civil Services Football Tournament after a nerve gripping final against Central Secretariat Delhi at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim. Organised by the Government of Goa in collaboration with the Central Civil Services Sports and Cultural Board, New Delhi, the tournament concluded with a thrilling finish that lived up to its billing.
The highly anticipated final remained goalless at the end of regular time, with both teams displaying disciplined defending and controlled attacking play. With neither side able to break the deadlock, the championship was decided through a tie breaker. RSB Cochin held their nerve to secure a 5–4 victory, ending the reign of the defending champions from Delhi.
For RSB Cochin, Kanan, Midhun Wilwet, Stephen Dias, Bojair and Asif successfully converted their spot kicks to seal the title. Central Secretariat Delhi responded strongly, with Ajay Singh, Nitin Rawat, Ripudamani and Gurjinder Kumar finding the net, but one missed effort proved costly in the decisive moments.
The prize distribution ceremony was attended by several prominent dignitaries from the sports administration fraternity. Director of DSYA, Dr Ajay Gaude, presided as the chief guest, while Arjuna Awardee Bruno Coutinho was the guest of honour. They were joined by senior officials including Sumit M, High Performance Director of the Khelo India Centre of Excellence Goa, Sarvottam Satardekar, Joint Director Accounts of the Sports Authority of Goa, Dr Vivek Pawar, Deputy Director DSYA, Irwin Cordo, Assistant Director Coaching, and Nodal Officer Prakash Satarkar.
Individual honours highlighted outstanding performances across the tournament. Skailine PD of RSB Cochin was named Best Goalkeeper, while Abhishek Rawat of Central Secretariat Delhi won the Best Defender award. Sanket Salonke of RSB Mumbai finished as the highest scorer with an impressive tally of 14 goals, and Sumit Passi of Central Secretariat Delhi was adjudged Best Forward. The Fair Play Award was claimed by the Goa Secretariat team.
RSB Mumbai secured third place after defeating Goa Secretariat in the playoff match earlier in the day. Addressing the gathering, the chief guest praised the commitment and team spirit shown by all 37 participating teams, who competed from December 8 across venues at Santa Cruz ground and Athletic Stadium, Bambolim. The ceremony concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Irwin Cordo, marking the successful culmination of a competitive national level football event.
