In a groundbreaking event that showcased the vibrant spirit of women’s sports, Joga Bonito clinched the title at Mumbai’s inaugural Beach Soccer tournament for women. Organised by PCPL-UK United in partnership with GoEqual Premier League, the event unfolded recently at Juhu Beach under the stewardship of Mumbai Football Association (MFA) secretary Sudhakar Rane, professional mentorship of Maharashtra’s beach football team manager Ronald D’Souza, and coaching expertise of Preetam Mahadik. The tournament, a first-of-its-kind, saw fierce competition among 10 teams vying for the prestigious top spot.
The tournament’s climax was nothing short of electrifying as Joga Bonito edged out Uncle’s Kitchen United, or UK United, in a nerve-racking tie-breaker with a scoreline of 3-2, following a goalless regulation time. The gripping penalty shootout featured flawless strikes by Joga Bonito’s Namrata Thakur, Rakhee Sawant, and VK Shrutilakshmi, securing their historic victory. UK United’s Delfiya Pereira and Krishita Iyer found the net for their team, but it wasn’t enough to overturn Joga Bonito’s relentless momentum.
Highlighting individual brilliance, Sapna Jaiswar of Joga Bonito was deservingly named the tournament’s best player, while UK United’s Meenakshi Bhagat received accolades as the best goalkeeper. The tournament saw the champions Joga Bonito taking home a cash prize of Rs 25,000, whereas the resilient runners-up UK United won Rs 15,000.
Speaking to mid-day.com, MFA Secretary Sudhakar Rane expressed immense pride in Maharashtra leading the nation’s registration for women footballers under the All India Football Federation (AIFF). “Maharashtra stands tall in registering the highest number of women football players under AIFF. Our recent success at the Daman and Diu Beach Festival, where our boys emerged as runners-up, sets a precedent. Our next aim is to replicate this success by empowering our women athletes through beach soccer tournaments. We are committed to elevating their performance levels and driving widespread participation in this exhilarating sport,” Rane articulated with optimism.
Rane’s commitment is echoed by Ronald D’Souza, the state team manager, who assured the augmentation of such tournaments in the future. “The MFA’s enthusiastic response underscores their intention to proliferate beach football across the state. This tournament is a stepping stone towards that larger vision.
. Our roadmap includes the regular organisation of similar events not only across Mumbai’s renowned beaches but also along Maharashtra’s extensive coastline. This is geared towards discovering and nurturing hidden talents,” assured D’Souza.
This landmark event saw 10 meticulously prepared teams, each showcasing agility, strategy, and resilience akin to their traditional football counterparts. These teams brought forth a unique blend of technique and spirit that spectacularly adapted to the sandy terrain of beach soccer, capturing the imagination of spectators and aspiring athletes alike.
Subsequent to the tournament’s success, discussions have emerged highlighting the potential of beach soccer in India. Experts believe the format offers a distinctive platform nationally and internationally, fostering talents unrestrained by the conventional constraints of standard football. The adaptability of beach soccer could cultivate a new cadre of athletes representing India on global stages where traditional football’s logistical complexities may pose challenges.
Further elaborating on the tournament’s impact, manager D’Souza emphasized, “This event not only marks a historic occasion but also serves as a testament to the determination and skill women bring to soccer. Through consistent exposure to competitive platforms like this, these athletes can ascend to levels previously unimagined, embodying the spirit of camaraderie and competition.”
The Juhu Beach tournament has laid the foundation for a series of anticipated initiatives aiming to establish an enduring beach soccer culture in Maharashtra. This initiative is seen as a catalyst for nationwide participation where the inclusive nature of the sport may inspire a wave of grassroots engagement.
MFA Secretary Rane encapsulated the broader vision succinctly, “By augmenting such tournaments, we aim to instigate a cultural shift towards inclusive sports. From preliminary local matches to wider state-level competitions, we stand at the precipice of a potentially transformative era for women’s beach soccer in India.”
Joga Bonito’s triumph, clad in their jubilant celebrations, thus symbolizes more than a victory. It heralds the advent of a renewed sporting fervor while promising continued and amplified support for women in beach soccer, a dynamic domain destined to become a mainstream marvel.
In summary, the success of Mumbai’s first-ever women’s beach soccer tournament, spearheaded by Joga Bonito’s victory, signals a commitment by the MFA to proliferate and nurture this thrilling sport not only across Mumbai’s expansive coastlines but also throughout Maharashtra. This foundational event aims to uplift women athletes by providing a vibrant platform for showcasing and honing their talents.
