Indian Sports Wrap, December 9: Goa gets IWL representation after three years

FOOTBALL

The Sesa Football Academy women’s team is eligible for IWL

The Sesa Football Academy (SFA) senior women’s team has qualified for the Indian Women’s League (IWL) for the first time, restoring Goan representation in the national league after a three-year gap.

The team will now compete against India’s elite in the ninth IWL, with the first phase scheduled to take place in West Bengal from December 20 to January 6.

SFA thus became only the fifth team from Goa to qualify for the IWL.

Dronacharya Awardee and former SFA coach Armando Colaco called the development “the revival of women’s football in Goa” and credited the academy with rebuilding the ecosystem and inspiring a new generation of women footballers.

Navin Jaju, CEO, Vedanta Sesa Goa, said, “This historic achievement reflects the academy’s continued commitment to the development of women’s football and empowerment at the grassroots level.”

– PTI

MORE SPORTS

Infosys Foundation and GoSports Foundation extend sponsorship of athletes with ‘Gear for Gold’ initiative

Infosys Foundation announced the expansion of its strategic partnership with GoSports Foundation with the aim of transforming the high-end initiative ‘Girls for Gold’ into the broader and more inclusive ‘Gear for Gold’. Program.

This expanded scope extends support to a broader spectrum of promising talent – ​​including male, female and para-athletes – creating a holistic talent development model through collaboration with leading sports academies.

The ‘Gear for Gold’ program focuses on six sports disciplines: badminton, table tennis, weightlifting, boxing, athletics and shooting. With an ‘academy-first’ approach, support includes upgrading infrastructure, implementing modern sports science practices and providing access to cutting-edge equipment and technologies.

Athletes training at these academies will also receive comprehensive assistance including scholarships, advanced coaching, support to compete, along with guidance on nutrition and injury management. Capacity building for athletes, coaches and staff will be strengthened through conclaves, workshops, certifications and global exposure. In addition, robust monitoring, reporting and due diligence systems will ensure transparency and measurable impact.

– Team Sportstar

Published on December 9, 2025