Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, has emerged victorious in both the Men and Women Handball Inter-Collegiate Championships for the 2024-25 season. Organized by Goa University, the championships took place at the Goa University ground in Taleigao from January 28 to 31, 2025.
The college’s handball teams showcased exceptional skill and determination, outperforming strong competitors in the finals. This achievement is a testament to the college’s robust sports program and the dedication of its athletes. The event drew participation from 23 men’s and 19 women’s teams, highlighting the competitive spirit and widespread interest in handball among Goa’s collegiate athletes.
St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, dominated the championships, securing wins in both the men’s and women’s categories. In the men’s finals, they defeated VVM’s Shree Damodar College of Commerce and Economics with a convincing score of 24-20. The women’s team mirrored this success by defeating Rosary College of Commerce and Arts, Navelim, with a score of 8-6.
The semifinals were equally intense, with Rosary College defeating Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Sanquelim, by 10-3, and St. Xavier’s College overcoming Don Bosco College, Panjim, by 9-4 in the women’s section. In the men’s semifinals, Shree Damodar College edged out S. S. Dempo College of Commerce & Economics with a score of 11-9, while St. Xavier’s College narrowly defeated Don Bosco College, Panjim, by 20-18.
Individual accolades were also awarded, with Mr. Jabiullah Bankapur of Shree Damodar College being recognized as the Best Player in the men’s category and Ms. Gauri Shetgaonkar of St. Xavier’s College receiving the Best Player award in the women’s category.
The presentation ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Dr. Francis Lobo, College Director of Physical Education and Sports at Rosary College, Navelim; Mr. Ugam Prabhudessai, College Director of Physical Education and Sports at P.C.C.E. College, Verna; Mr. Clifford Britto, College Director of Physical Education and Sports at Don Bosco College Engineering, Fatorda; and Mr. Balachandra Jadar, Assistant Director of Physical Education and Sports at Goa University. These dignitaries presented medals and trophies to the winners and runners-up.
The winning teams from St. Xavier’s College comprised talented athletes, including Fadte Rishikesh Uday, Pavan Madhusudan Savoiverekar, and several others in the men’s team, and Tanisha Prakash Murgod, Wianna Wencesla Fernandes, and others in the women’s team.
