St. Francis de Assisi Igreja Triumphs in Chicalim Parish Inter-Somudai Football Tournament

Chicalim, Goa, February 11, 2025 – St. Francis de Assisi (Igreja 2) emerged victorious in the first-ever Inter-Somudai (SCCs) 5-a-side Tie-Breaker Football Tournament, organized by St. Francis Xavier Church, Chicalim (Deusa Sector) on February 9, 2025. The tournament, held as part of the Quadricentennial Celebrations of Christian Faith in Chicalim, took place at the Chicalim Panchayat Ground, where St. Francis de Assisi defeated Marie Imaculada Somudai, Regina Mundi, in a thrilling final witnessed by a large gathering of parishioners.

The event commenced with an impressive march past by the 32 participating teams. This was followed by Parish Priest Fr. Bolmax Pereira, former Chicalim Sarpanch Ruby Rodrigues, and GFA Executive Committee Member Francisco Nunes meeting the captains of all the participating teams. Fr. Pereira then officially inaugurated the tournament with the first kick. The matches, played in a highly competitive yet sporting spirit, saw participants of all ages, including women and children, displaying remarkable enthusiasm and skill.

In the semifinals, Marie Imaculada Somudai, Regina Mundi, overcame Our Lady of Vailankanni Somudai, Rendrabhatt, while St. Francis de Assisi Somudai, Igreja (2), secured their spot in the final by defeating St. Theresa of Kolkata Somudai, Deusa Grande.

During the awards ceremony, D. Neto (Marie Imaculada Somudai) received the award for Best Striker while Aaron Fernandes (St. Francis de Assisi) was named Best Goalkeeper. Notable sports personalities from the parish were also felicitated during the event. They include Mr. Peter Vales, former player, coach, and manager of Clube de Salgaocar; Mrs. Maymol Rocky, former player and coach of the Indian Women’s Football Team; and Mrs. Succorine d Costa, former international women's football player and SAG coach, all of whom were felicitated by Fr. Pereira.

Referees Seby Abranches, Miguel Lucas, Luis Fernandes, and Succorine Costa ensured the smooth conduct of all the matches during the tournament. The trophy and cash prizes were presented to the winners by Fr. Bolmax Pereira, Assistant Parish Priest Fr. Peter Fernandes, Peter Vales, Maymol Rocky, and a newly married couple, Mr. Atish Vaz and Mrs. Rizzeria Pacheco, who were chief guests for the function.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Maggie Rodrigues.

By Fr. Bolmax Pereira