Fr. Agnelo High School, Pilar, emerged victorious in the Inter-School Men’s Hockey Tournament, organised by St. Michael’s Sports and Cultural Association at the Peddem Artificial Turf Ground, Mapusa.
The tournament saw spirited competition from 12 schools, all vying for the top spot in a league-style format. In the final, Fr. Agnelo High School defeated Damodar English High School, claiming the coveted title through skillful play and teamwork. Each participating team was recognised with a Best Player award, celebrating individual talent alongside collective effort.
Chief guest Wilson D’Souza, DySP Mapusa, praised the young athletes for their dedication, urging them to embrace sports as a means to develop discipline, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle, while steering clear of negative influences. Sabina Araujo, Principal, and Camilo Fernandes, Headmaster of St. Michael School, also commended all participants for their sportsmanship and exemplary performances.
The tournament briefly faced a hiccup when Fr. Agnelo High School lodged a protest against Saraswati Vidyalaya, alleging that a player had presented two different birth certificates—one as a Hockey India–registered player and another as a school identity document. The matter caused a short delay but was swiftly managed by Atul Kankonkar and Eknath Gaonkar, the Physical Education teachers overseeing the event.
Abhay Bhamaikar, President of Goan Hockey, expressed pride in the young athletes, highlighting that such tournaments provide an important platform for confidence-building, exposure, and opportunities for the state’s budding hockey talent.
The event not only crowned a deserving champion but also reinforced the value of sports in nurturing discipline, teamwork, and the spirit of healthy competition among Goa’s youth.
