In a thrilling display of athletic prowess, Our Lady of Health from Sahar clinched victory against St Joseph’s, Umerkhadi in a riveting men’s open quarter-final at the renowned 44th Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana annual rink football tournament. The closely fought contest, held on Thursday night at the WCG courts, saw both teams exhibit their skills in what ended up being a decisive tie-breaker with a scoreline of 5-3.
The atmosphere was electrifying as supporters from both sides gathered to witness the intense football action. During the regulation time, Imran Shaikh emerged as a true star for Our Lady of Health by netting an impressive hat-trick. This remarkable achievement, however, was matched by the resilience of St Joseph’s team, who fought back determinedly. Dixit Bhoj, Sahel Tandel, and Austin Fernandes each scored for the Umerkhadi side, equalizing the match and setting the stage for an exhilarating tie-breaker.
Supporters at the WCG courts were treated to a nail-biting shootout. It was during this high-pressure moment that Imran Shaikh once again showcased his nerves of steel, along with teammate Rohit Pal. Both players managed to maintain their composure and secured the necessary goals that ultimately steered Our Lady of Health to victory. The jubilation among the Sahar supporters was palpable as the final whistle blew, marking their team’s advancement to the semi-finals.
In parallel action, another quarter-final of the same tournament highlighted the remarkable capabilities of St Francis Xavier from Kanjurmarg. Facing off against St Andrew’s of Bandra, St Francis Xavier demonstrated their strength with a commanding 5-3 win. Shoaib Baig was the standout player, scoring four decisive goals, while Arvind Raj added another to ensure their triumph.
. Despite Danzil Mascarenhas’s valiant effort in scoring all three goals for St Andrew’s, they couldn’t bridge the gap opened by St Francis Xavier’s attack.
The spectacle did not end there; the tournament’s veterans’ category also drew significant attention. In this division, MYJ Green showed fine form against IC MYJ, securing a 2-0 victory. Goals from Anthony Reveredo and Edilbert Martis highlighted the prowess of the MYJ Green side, affirming their position in the competition.
This year’s tournament has drawn considerable interest, thanks to the competitive spirit and outstanding skill levels demonstrated by participating teams. The Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana’s annual event continues to be a celebrated platform for showcasing football talent, attracting players and audiences alike.
The tournament, steeped in history, provides a vital avenue for local teams to test their mettle against fierce competition while also uniting communities over their shared passion for the sport. Fans expect the upcoming matches to deliver the same thrilling—if not heightened—levels of excitement as teams battle it out for tournament glory.
Amid this cascade of adrenaline-pumping matches, the organizing committee remains vigilant in ensuring a seamless experience for both participants and spectators. The legacy of the Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana tournament as a bastion of sportsmanship and excellence continues, with preparations afoot to ensure the remainder of the event proceeds without a hitch.
For the spectators and supporters, both seasoned and new, this tournament is more than just a series of matches—it’s an experience, a celebration of local talent, and a consolidation of community spirit. As Our Lady of Health gears up for their next encounter, they carry the hopes and expectations of their supporters, buoyed by recent successes and driven by their quest for ultimate victory. The road ahead promises more exhilarating confrontations and stories of emerging champions.
