TEAM GOA RUGBY END SEASON ON A HIGH

Men’s team emerge national champions; women’s lift silver on their debut at the 10th All India National Touch Rugby Championships. 

The Goa Touch Rugby teams pose with their trophies at the 10^th All India National Touch Rugby Championships held at Madhav Rao Sapre School Ground, Raipur, Chattisgarh.

PANJIM, GOA: The Goa Touch Rugby ended their season on a happy note with their Men’s team defeating Chattisgarh 3-0 in the finals of the 10^th All India National Touch Rugby Championships to win the Gold while Goa Women's Touch Rugby squad bagged the Silver in Raipur, Chattisgarh on Thursday.

The Goa Women's team fought well in the finals but Chattisgarh got the better of them to win the gold with a 2-1 win.  Goa Touch Rugby Men's team hammered reigning champions Haryana 7-1 in the semi-finals while the Goa Touch Rugby Women’s squad beat Delhi 3-1 in the semi-finals to advance.

The All India National Touch Rugby Championships was held from December 27th , 28th and 29^th with a total of 13 States participating in the championship. Karnataka, Maharashtra, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Haryana, Bihar, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Chattisgarh, Telangana, Chandigarh and Madhya Pradesh boosted the championships with some excellent touch rugby skills. The event was organised by Federation of International Touch, Touch Rugby Federation of India and Chattisgarh Touch.

For Anish Quenim, President of Goa Rugby & Goa Touch, the main objective was to create a new breed of young ruggers; to promote a rugby culture and to give rugby its due as a sport to Goa.

"It’s really special feeling to finally get that label for all the efforts we as Goa have put in to develop this sport over the last 3 seasons. Our journey begins now. We are very proud of all involved, from the technical crew, Media, sponsors, associates, fans, players and families,” said a jubilant Anish.

The sport was introduced in Goa just 3 years ago and now has over 5000 players of all ages, boys, girls and youth in over 100 schools, communities and clubs throughout the State.

“This ones for “Amche Goa”. It was even more special when all the other 12 States came up to us and confirmed an Association for Development, making Goa as the base and also confirming around 5 Friendly Series through the year in Goa and around India, their Salute to our Sportsmanship was an icing on the Cake. This Gold and Silver to emerge as the Champions of India is our gift to the people of Goa this New Year’s Day Happy New Year,"

A team of 15 Men and 15 Women from Goa headed for the nationals with a support staff of two managers and coaches accompanying the Men’s and Women’s team. The total Goa Touch Rugby squad comprised of 34 members.

Belinda Trotter who is an Ex Wales International player and Manager of the Wales international team was the coach for the women’s squad. While coach David Trotter, who had been a rugby player for the past 30 years was responsible for the activities related to the Men’s development.

The owners of the 4 Club franchises,   Mr Duarteson Noronha, Crazy Pirates (North Goa), Mr Brandan Crasto, CrocoTRYles (South Goa), Mr Aaron D'mello, Saints (East Goa) and Mr Tej Shirodkar, TRYmates (West Goa) thanked the players, parents and club officials for the unconditional support.

CrocoTRYles had 11 players representing Team Goa followed by Crazy Pirates with 10 players, TRYmates 8 and Saints has 2 players in the national squad.

The Goa Women’s Touch Rugby squad had come from diverse backgrounds, but they stood united in their love for the game and the desire to rise above sexist stereotyping.

Chrisha Lobo, captain of the Goa Women’s Touch Rugby squad was euphoric about the team measuring up to the challenge.

"Firstly, I would like to thank Coach Bee, Dave and Anish for the support they have rendered. I would also like to thank each and every family member who have supported us from Goa and all the competing teams that encouraged us throughout this tournament.

“Not to forget my very own team mates, without their enthusiasm, passion and all the effort they put in till the last second, none of this would be possible and we wouldn't have reached so far.

“Team Goa thank you for believing in me and giving me this great opportunity to captain the Goa women’s team,” said Chrisha on a very emotional note.

The girls finally found an outlet to their brimming talent in a sport that is a test of mind as they got the freedom to knock down their opponent and stopped at nothing but a try.

The top Top 3 Try scorers in the women’s squad was Claudia Crizzle 4 Try's, Chrisha Lobo 2 Try's and Anita Nishad with 2 Try's.

“I'm literally lost on words but I would like to thank all the players for being amazing and helping each other in winning what we have won today,” said Nauman Shaikh, captain of the Goa Men’s team.

“This was a super amazing journey and it's surely a Happy Happy Year for us all,” said Nauman.

 The top Try scorers in the Men’s team was Nauman Shaikh 6 Try's, Soham Shirodkar 6 Try's,

Kaniel D'souza  5 Try's and Ajay Nishad 4 Try's.

The Goa Rugby lifted the All India National Touch Rugby Championships trophy fulfilling many dreams, and fuelling the future ambitions of young players.

Goa Rugby is an Association backed by Sports Authority of Goa, Goa Olympics Association, Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Touch Rugby Federation of India, Federation of International Touch, Bishop Gore Rugby and Middle East Touch.

The GoaAmche Project by Goa Rugby & Goa Touch is powered by hospitality partners BanquetSPORTS, merchandise partners QRAB, Education partners Goa Psychology Association. Television partners RDX Goa and media partners Goa Network7. 

GOA RUGGERS HEAD FOR 10TH ALL INDIA NATIONAL TOUCH RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Goa Rugby unveiled the official Men’s and Women’s team and jersery for the 10TH All India National Touch Rugby Championships 2016 held at Chattisgarh.

PANJIM: The Goa Rugby unveiled the official Men’s and Women’s team and jersery for the 10TH All India National Touch Rugby Championships 2016 at a glittering ceremony held in a city hotel at Panjim on Thursday.

All India National Touch Rugby Championships will be held from December 27th , 28th and 29th at Raipur, Chattisgarh.

The event is organised by Federation of International Touch, Touch Rugby Federation of India and Chattisgarh Touch.

The Goa squad  on their debut  will have an opportunity of being selected for the Indian Team for the Youth World Cup 2018 to be held in Malaysia and World Cup 2019 to be held in Malaysia.

For Anish Quenim, President of Goa Rugby & Goa Touch, the main objective was to create a new breed of young ruggers; to promote a rugby culture and to give rugby its due as a sport to Goa. The first step was to get the youngsters familiar with the rules of the game through the Touch Rugby' format the kind where touch or tug at the shirt replaces a full-blooded tackle, thus exercising focus on the technical aspect of the game.

“The Touch Rugby talent that Goa has is awesome. But we have not been able to put a label to that talent. But now we look forward to doing that at Raipur, by giving in our best and hopefully emerge winners,” said Anish.

The sport was introduced in Goa just 3 years ago and now has over 5000 players of all ages, boys, girls and youth in over 100 schools, communities and clubs throughout the State.

“ A team of 15 Men and 15 Women will be heading for the nationals. We have support staff of two managers, one for each team. We also have two coaches accompanying the Men’s and Women’s team. The total Goa Touch Rugby squad will be of 34,” informed Anish.

Belinda Trotter who is an Ex Wales International player and Manager of the Wales international team is the coach for women’s rugby in Goa. David Trotter and Belinda Trotter are two coaches who have been helping in developing the sport in Goa.

David Trotter who has been a rugby player for the past 30 years heads the coaching and other activities related to Men’s development and Belinda an international rugby player with 26 caps heads the Women’s coaching activities in the State.

 “Goa has an excellent chance to secure a Trophy in this Tournament, and also the Indian National Coaches will be selecting Youth players to join Team India in preparation for the Youth Touch World Cup in 2018. This is a perfect chance to put Team Goa players firmly on the Touch Rugby World Map,” said Anish.

The grand ceremony began with the welcome address by President of Goa Rugby, Anish Quenim followed by Kaniel Dsouza, Vice President who highlighted their notable moments in their journey with Goa Rugby.  The Goa Rugby also launched the official website GoaRugby.com.

"Playing sport doesn't just build character, it reveals it. At Project Goa Amche we believe that the children of today are not just our future, but the bridge to correct the past and better the present. Sport doesn't require a script, nor a dialect, it is the most silent form of communication, but yet the loudest," said Anish in his launch message on the GoaRugby website.

The owners of the 4 Club franchises,   Mr Duarteson Noronha, Crazy Pirates (North Goa), Mr Brandan Crasto, CrocoTRYles (South Goa), Mr Aaron D'mello, Saints (East Goa) and Mr Tej Shirodkar, TRYmates (West Goa) thanked the parents and club officials for the unconditional support.

CrocoTRYles has 11 players representing Team Goa followed by Crazy Pirates with 10 players, TRYmates 8 and Saints has 2 players in the national squad.

The Goa Women’s Touch Rugby squad come from diverse backgrounds, but they stand united in their love for the game and the desire to rise above sexist stereotyping.

For the sportspersons in Goa, the rugby ball has meant little more than an odd-shaped, oblong piece of leather, while the sport itself has been perceived as dangerous. But these Goa Touch Rugby brave hearts proved their critics wrong.

Chrisha Lobo, captain of the Goa Women’s Touch Rugby squad was optimistic about the team measuring up to the challenge ahead. Chrisha, student of St Xaviers Collge, Mapusa is studying B.Com in the second year. But she managed to balance her studies and touch rugby training.

“I travel from Calangute to Miramar to train. I do not see why more girls should not actively participate in Touch Rugby. The sport is perceived wrongly, it’s not contact. But in touch rugby we girls are advised to keep our hands outstretched while taking a touch,” informed Chrisha.

While some girls found an outlet to their brimming talent in a sport that is a test of mind as well as matter, others gave vent to their rage, as they get the freedom to knock down an enemy and stop at nothing but a try. Some others savour the long-due justice of matching shoulders with boys and competing on a level-playing field with them.

Just like other sports, in rugby too a lot depended on support coming from various quarters like the government, sponsors and most importantly parents.

Andrea Crizzle, mother of Claudia was visibly pleased with her daughters achievement in Touch Rugby.

“ We are happy for her. She will be representing Goa, which is a top honour. It’s a mixed feelings as she is leaving for Raipur, Chattisgarh on Christmas eve,” said Andrea.

Players will be travelling by train from Goa to Raipur on Christmas morning and will arrive back on New Year’s Eve. A sport that is so popular in England and Europe is now finding acceptance in Goa as well.

Claudia has her mother’s blessing and best wishes. Andrea was active in sports during her academics and hence understands what commitment and being a team player means in any sport discipline.

Sheetal Gaude, Sheevani ‘s mother, was a former national Kho-Kho team player and she too encouraged her daughter to take to Touch Rugby which is relatively a new sport in Goa and India.

The unveiling of the Goa Team, (Men’s & Women’s team) was done at the hands of their families and Captains Ms Chrisha Lobo and Mr Nauman Shaikh. The parents from various backgrounds were beaming with pride as they displayed the Team jersey along side their child.

The next big step for Goa Rugby is to lift the All India National Touch Rugby Championships trophy to fulfil many dreams, and fuel the future ambitions of young players.

Goa Rugby is an Association backed by Sports Authority of Goa, Goa Olympics Association, Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Touch Rugby Federation of India, Federation of International Touch, Bishop Gore Rugby and Middle East Touch.

The GoaAmche Project by Goa Rugby & Goa Touch is powered by hospitality partners BanquetSPORTS, merchandise partners QRAB, Education partners Goa Psychology Association. Television partners RDX Goa and media partners Goa Network7. 

Christmas Touch Rugby 2016

Christmas Touch Rugby 2016

TRYmates TRIUMPH

LIFT CHRISTMAS TOUCH RUGBY TROPHY, WINNERS OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY

TRYmates team and officials celebrate after lifting the Christmas Touch Rugby trophy and the Champions Trophy in the rugby tournament played at Duler ground on Friday.

MAPUSA: In a fun filled day TRYmates emerged on top to lift the Christmas Touch Rugby trophy and the Champions Trophy dominating in 6 categories followed by CrocoTRYles (South Goa), who were close on heels with 4 wins followed by Saints with 2 wins in the U-17 boys and U-17 girls category in the rugby tournament played at Duler ground on Friday.

TRYmates began with a bang dominating the morning session with Our Lady of Rosary High School, Dona Paula defeating St Theresa’s High School, St Estevam of the Saints club 1-0 in the U-10 Girls category.

Christmas Touch, tournament is governed by the GTL (Goa Touch League), where each club fielded school players in the U-10, U-13, U-17 and Seniors (Girls, Women, Boys, Men & Mixed) categories.

The schools represented their clubs and battled to come up on top amongst a total of 4 Club franchises,   Crazy Pirates (North Goa), CrocoTRYles (South Goa), Saints (East Goa) and TRYmates (West Goa).

Before the tournament all four teams, bristled and glistened like a box of Christmas crackers on a bright sunny afternoon. With little wind and a fantastic pitch all teams played their hearts out to an entertaining brand of rugby. TRYmates owners Nauman Shaikh and Tej Shirodkar were visibly pleased with the turn of events with the U-10 girls managing to put a smile on the young club owners early on in the day.

“We worked hard as a team and it has paid off with Our Lady of Rosary High School U-10 girls winning the finals. We expected the U-10 girls to do well and they have achieved that. Overall we have progressed as per our expectations,” said Tej.

“We never underestimated any teams in this tournament. We have always treated them as high competition. Everyone is a star today and we have treated all equally,” addded Tej with all humility. 

“Most of our players are really fit. We have been taking care of their diet and have been training hard for this day,” said Nauman, TRYmates co-owner.   

Ayman Shaikh, TRYmates Manager led his side in his usual enthusiastic manner and was reminiscent of the recent Halloween Touch.

“I was amazed to see the U-10 Girls play with literally 6 players and no substitutions. All our efforts in training these kids have paid off. They really worked hard and deserved the win,” said Ayman in the post match meet.

“This is their first year and they have played absolutely well. We are loving the way these girls are playing and we are hopfull that everything will go well for them in the future,” added Ayman.

TRYmates manages rugby development in Bambolim, Panjim, Miramar, Caranzalem, Taleigao, St Cruz, Merces, Porvorim, etc. The club has educated over 6,000 enthusiasts from villages to schools to seniors. The club conducts over 4 Camps a day across their zone

CrocoTRYles, the current Goa schools Touch League Champions in the Juniors category made a mark in the U-17 Girls category with Our lady of Desterro High School, Vasco defeating St. Josephs High School, Arpora, who represented Crazy Pirates club with a 1-0 win.

Anita nishad, proved her salt playing well throughout the game. She put a great shift in for her team.

The scene was set for plenty of running rugby. Anita scored to cap an ‘intelligent’ performance. In fact she could have worn a Christmas paper hat and not got it damaged during the game, the swift feeted girl was a constant threat to the opponent. Desterro High School was all in the thick of the action with Anita particularly troublesome in the close quarter skirmishes.

Our lady of Desterro High School and St. Josephs High School, Arpora had an eventful afternoon in both attack and defence, with vigorous tackling being the highlight of their game.

Attacking running rugby was the order of the day. However, the spectators were treated to an eventful fun filled afternoon of entertainment. With talented players playing, there was a competitive element similar to watching siblings squabble over the little plastic toy that so eloquently adorn our Christmas tree.

Anthony Fernandes, PE teacher of Our lady of Desterro High School commented “It was fantastic to see some of the younger girls step into the senior environment and also see some familiar faces return to the pitch. We’ve pencilled in this event for next year’s tournament”.

 “We had a whip round and thanks to all who contributed," added Anthony.

Marina High School, Verna who represented CrocoTRYles Club bagged 3 trophies to emerge with the highest numbers of trophies taken by any school on the tournament day.

Touch rugby is derived from rugby football in which players do not tackle each other in the traditional, highly violent way, players touch their opponents using their hands on any part of the body, clothing, or the ball.

Saints owner, Aaron D’mello was extremely pleased with his clubs performance. “ The teams have displayed skill and tact. I am happy the way these young kids have played,”

The Saints club manages rugby development in Old Goa, Ribandar, Divar, St Estevam, Ponda, Sanquelim etc under the guidance of manager Alec Gomes and Ms Shevani Gaude.

Saints Club has educated over 9,000 enthusiasts from villages to schools to seniors, this club conducts over 4 Camps a day across their Zone. This club has the rare distinction of creating 225 top professional players for the Goa squad.

Goa Rugby is an Association backed by Sports Authority of Goa, Goa Olympics Association, Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Touch Rugby Federation of India, Federation of International Touch, Bishop Gore Rugby and Middle East Touch.

The GoaAmche Project by Goa Rugby & Goa Touch is powered by hospitality partners BanquetSPORTS, merchandise partners QRAB, Education partners Goa Psychology Association. Television partners RDX Goa and media partners Goa Network7.