Amid the electric atmosphere at the Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana (WCG) courts, Our Lady of Health Sahar clinched the coveted men’s open championship of the 44th annual rink football tournament. The thrilling finale saw them outmaneuver a determined St Blaise Amboli ‘B’ team with a tantalizing 5-3 victory. The high-octane encounter kept the audience captivated, with cheers resonating throughout the arena as the teams battled it out on the rink.
Our Lady of Health Sahar’s remarkable win was prominently underpinned by stellar performances from their forwards. Shoaib Khan and Shafan Solkar emerged as the stars of the evening, each bagging a brace, while Laksh Paske contributed with a decisive goal, further cementing the team’s dominance throughout the tournament. The dynamic duo of Khan and Solkar were relentless in their pursuit, weaving through the opposition’s defenses with skill and precision, converting opportunities that showcased their exemplary teamwork and individual prowess.
However, St Blaise Amboli ‘B’ did not go down without a fight. In a commendable display of resilience and skill, Sebastian Almedia thrust his side back into contention with two expertly executed goals. Conroy Concessio added to St Blaise’s tally, ensuring the contest remained a heated one until the final whistle. Their spirited performance underscored the competitive spirit that embodies rink football, where pace and quick reflexes are crucial on shorter playing surfaces—a throwback to the highly adaptive style required in this high-speed sport.
This tournament has long been a highlight on the local sports calendar, with teams across the city vying for the top honor at WCG’s annual rink football event. The competition this year reaffirmed its reputation, delivering matches that were both thrilling and unpredictable.
. Our Lady of Health Sahar’s victory is not just a testament to their formidable talent but also to their strategic play, which allowed them to outsmart their rivals with well-thought-out maneuvers and timely counterattacks.
Coach Rahim Talwar of Our Lady of Health Sahar praised his team’s unwavering dedication and emphasized how their rigorous training regimen was pivotal to their success. According to Talwar, teamwork, discipline, and adaptability were the cornerstones that enabled the Sahar side to clinch victory against strong contenders like St Blaise Amboli.
As the dust settled on this exciting championship clash, attention turned to another memorable match that took place on the same evening. The Dadar-based team, Maccabi, triumphed in the 40-plus veterans final, adding another chapter to the tournament’s illustrious history. In a nail-biting finish, the seasoned Dadar players edged out MYJ Orange with a narrow 3-2 win. Martin D’Silva’s double and Amir Shaikh’s single strike ensured Maccabi walked away with the title after a hard-fought battle, while Suraj Shetty and Agnelo Picardo scored for MYJ Orange, making it a competitive affair to the last minute.
The curtain call of this year’s Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana rink football tournament once again highlighted the enthusiasm and sporting spirit coursing through all participants. It stands as a beacon of community engagement and local talent nurturing, providing a robust platform for sports enthusiasts from all age groups. With engagements and spectacle such as this, the local rink football scene is poised to continue growing in popularity, encouraging the next generation to embrace this fast-paced and exciting sport.
In the end, both the players and fans left the arena with an eagerness for the next edition, when new stories of triumph, perseverance, and camaraderie will undoubtedly be written in the annals of this celebrated tournament. For now, Our Lady of Health Sahar enjoys a well-deserved moment of triumph, reflecting on their path to victory and the challenges they’ve overcome in this storied competition.