In a thrilling display of sportsmanship and determination, Our Lady of Health Sahar secured their place as the men’s open champions of the esteemed 44th Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana (WCG) annual rink football tournament. The finals were held recently at the bustling WCG courts, where fans from near and far gathered to witness a vigorous end to this highly competitive series. The atmosphere was electric, and the stakes could not have been higher as Our Lady of Health took on St Blaise Amboli ‘B’, ultimately emerging victorious with a compelling 5-3 win.
Forwards Shoaib Khan and Shafan Solkar were the standout performers for Our Lady of Health, each delivering two stunning goals that kept the momentum in favor of their team throughout most of the match. Laksh Paske also contributed significantly to their offensive strategy by adding a vital goal to the scoreboard, which was instrumental in securing the championship title. On the opposing side, St Blaise’s Sebastian Almedia showcased his resilience by scoring twice, while Conroy Concessio added a third goal that attempted to shift the balance in their favor. However, their efforts were not quite enough to topple the formidable team from Sahar.
Spectators at the WCG courts were treated to a match that was nothing short of spectacular. The finals saw both teams demonstrating exceptional skill and sportsmanship, with each side showcasing adept ball control, agile movements, and strategic gameplay. The thrilling exchanges had the crowd erupting in cheers, fully immersed in the gripping back-and-forth of the closely contested match. It was a true testament to the thrilling nature of rink football and its ability to captivate audiences with sheer unpredictability and exhilarating pace.
The triumphant victory of Our Lady of Health Sahar not only cements their prowess within the rink football arena but also underscores their dedication to the sport.
. Their journey to the championship was marked by unwavering teamwork and relentless determination, qualities that shone brightly on the field during the final match. The team’s ability to maintain composure and execute well-orchestrated plays under the pressure of the championship spotlight speaks volumes about their cohesion and preparation.
Elsewhere in the tournament, the Dadar-based team Maccabi clinched the title in the 40-plus veterans final, adding another layer of excitement to the already thrilling event. In a nail-biting encounter, Maccabi edged past MYJ Orange with a close 3-2 victory. Martin D’Silva emerged as an invaluable asset to his team, scoring twice, while Amir Shaikh added another goal that ultimately sealed the win. MYJ Orange put up a strong contest, with Suraj Shetty and Agnelo Picardo scoring goals that kept the match intensity high.
The WCG annual rink football tournament has a storied tradition, and this year’s event was no exception, bringing together a mix of high-octane performances, budding talents, and veteran players. The tournament continues to serve as a platform for local teams to demonstrate their skills and passion for the sport, while also fostering a sense of community and shared enthusiasm for football.
As the final whistle blew and the Our Lady of Health Sahar’s players celebrated their hard-fought victory, both fans and participants took a moment to admire the spirit of competition that defines such events. The WCG tournament ended on a high note, leaving everyone eager for the following year’s series where new teams will strive to etch their names in the history of this remarkable sporting event.
As the dust settled on the courts, the echoes of cheers and hearty congratulations filled the air—an affirmation of the unyielding spirit and love for the game that rink football inspires among its players and spectators alike.
