After the successful conclusion of the 10-team women’s beach football tournament at Juhu Beach, the Mumbai Football Association (MFA) has announced plans to further promote beach football along the city’s coastline. This landmark event, organized by PCPL-UK United in collaboration with GoEqual Premier League, saw the Joga Bonito team emerge as champions amid stiff competition.
Held under the careful oversight of MFA secretary Sudhakar Rane, and orchestrated by Maharashtra’s beach football team manager Ronald D’Souza and coach Preetam Mahadik, this inaugural tournament was a milestone for women’s sports in Mumbai. Ten teams competed fiercely for the coveted top prize, with the final proving to be a nail-biter.
The much-anticipated championship match came down to a thrilling tie-breaker after regular time ended with a 0-0 stalemate between Joga Bonito and Uncle’s Kitchen United. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Joga Bonito displayed nerves of steel, with Namrata Thakur, Rakhee Sawant, and VK Shrutilakshmi all converting their shots. On the other side, Uncle’s Kitchen United managed to score only through Delfiya Pereira and Krishita Iyer.
The spotlight shone brightly on several standout athletes. Joga Bonito’s Sapna Jaiswar was awarded the prestigious title of best player of the tournament, while UK United’s Meenakshi Bhagat was honored as the best goalkeeper. For their remarkable victory, the Joga Bonito team received a cash prize of Rs 25,000, with the runners-up, Uncle’s Kitchen United, taking home Rs 15,000.
Speaking to mid-day.com, MFA secretary Sudhakar Rane expressed immense pride in Maharashtra’s leading role in registering women players under the All India Football Federation (AIFF). He highlighted recent successes, such as the boys’ team becoming runners-up at the Beach Festival organized by Daman and Diu along with AIFF. “Now, our focus shifts to empowering our girls to achieve similar heights. We want to promote beach soccer tournaments for girls, aiming to elevate their performance and inspire greater participation in this exciting sport,” Rane stated.
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Ronald D’Souza, team manager for the state, assured that this tournament is just the beginning. “The MFA have communicated to us that they are very keen to spread beach football across the state, and this tournament is a step in that direction. To promote beach football and futsal, we plan to organize more such events across Mumbai’s beaches and even along the Maharashtra coastline to unearth new talent,” D’Souza explained.
Indeed, the successful execution of this event signals a promising future for beach football in the region. Both Rane and D’Souza underscored the relevance of such tournaments in promoting sports among women and providing them with opportunities to shine on a larger platform. The key takeaway from their statements is the vision to create a robust support system for women’s beach football, ensuring it gains the recognition and popularity it deserves.
Amidst cheers and celebrations, the Joga Bonito team, with their sheer determination and skill, showcased the true spirit of sportsmanship. Their victory stands as a testament to the potential and talent of women athletes in the city. This tournament, undoubtedly, has set a precedent and opened doors for many more such events, fostering a culture of inclusivity and excellence in sports.
Future plans include more beach soccer tournaments aimed at different age groups and levels of competition, ensuring a widespread appeal and increased participation. The MFA, along with partners like PCPL-UK United and GoEqual Premier League, is committed to sustaining and amplifying this momentum.
In conclusion, the success of the first women’s beach soccer tournament at Juhu Beach is a significant milestone. It has not only highlighted the skill and passion of female footballers but also set the stage for a new era of beach sports in Mumbai. As the city gear up to host more such enthralling competitions, the future looks bright for the next generation of beach football stars.
