Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) emerged champions of the inaugural Inter-Government Autonomous Bodies Football Tournament after defeating the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) 5-4 in a penalty shootout at Atal Stadium, Cujira, Santa Cruz, on October 9, 2026.
Organised by SAG on October 8 and 9, the two-day tournament concluded with an exciting final played under floodlights. Both teams displayed determination and attacking intent, but neither could secure victory during regulation time, forcing the contest into a penalty shootout.
The final ended in a 1-1 draw, with Dr. Ajay Gaude scoring a superb header for SAG, while John Paul D’Silva found the net for GIDC. With the teams unable to break the deadlock, the championship was decided from the penalty spot.
SAG held their nerve in the decisive moments, converting their opportunities to secure a 5-4 shootout victory and lift the inaugural trophy. The triumph marked a memorable achievement for the SAG team in the first edition of the competition.
Individual Awards Recognise Top Performers
The tournament also recognised outstanding individual performances across both teams. John Paul of GIDC was named Best Striker, while SAG’s Ramesh Priolkar received the Best Defender award. GIDC goalkeeper Shashank Verma was adjudged Best Goalkeeper for his performances during the competition.
Dr. Ajay Gaude of SAG received the Best Player of the Final award following his impressive display, highlighted by the crucial headed goal that helped his team remain in contention for the title.
The winners and runners up were presented with trophies and certificates during the prize distribution ceremony at Atal Stadium on October 9.
Bruno Coutinho, Director of Coaching at SAG, welcomed the gathering, while Nilesh Naik compered the programme and delivered the vote of thanks.
The tournament was coordinated by SAG coaches Sandip Naik, Haresh Parsekar, Hemant Khot and Vinay Sambhari, with support from the staff of the organisation’s Coaching Section.
The competition provided employees and officials of government autonomous bodies with a platform to demonstrate their footballing abilities, teamwork and sportsmanship while promoting sporting participation and camaraderie among participating organisations.
