17/06/2025
The 1st Shail Foundation Invitation Cup Tournament was held from 4th to 7th June 2025 at the Boxing Hall, Peddem, Mapusa, Goa. Organized by the Goa Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) with support from the Shail Foundation, this national-level event featured Under-17 Junior Boys and Girls from nine teams across India.
The tournament was inaugurated by Mr. Bruno Coutinho, Director (Coaching) of the Sports Authority of Goa, along with other dignitaries including Mr. R. Gopu, Mr. Sai Satish, Mr. I.V. Rao, and Mr. Aneil Alvares. Distinguished guests, including Fr. Milchester Furtado and Mrs. Vibha Palekar, attended during the event. Prominent figures such as Mr. Rohit Jainendra Jain (Shail Group), Mr. T. Sivasankar (MLA & PABA President), and Dr. Manje Gowda (KABA President) also graced the occasion.
Teams from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Pune, Goa A, Goa B, and Goa SAI competed across seven weight categories ranging from 44 to 60 kg. A total of seventy-five bouts were contested—forty-three for Junior Boys and thirty-two for Junior Girls.
In the Junior Girls category, Goa SAI topped the medal tally with five gold medals, followed by Goa A and Karnataka. Goa A led the Junior Boys category with four golds, two silvers, and one bronze, while Telangana and Tamil Nadu secured second and third places respectively. Special awards for Best Boxer were presented, and all participants received certificates of participation. Ring judges and volunteers were also recognized for their contributions.
A gala dinner was hosted on 6th June at Hotel Green Park, Guirim, where dignitaries, coaches, and ring judges were honored with mementos and gifts. Concurrently, a Coaches’ Refresher Seminar led by Mr. T.L. Gupta of the National Institute of Sports was conducted, with participants receiving certificates of completion.
Accommodation was arranged at Hotel Priti International and Antonio Guest House for participants and officials, while dignitaries stayed at Hotel Green Park. Transportation was efficiently provided to ensure smooth logistics throughout the event.
The tournament was expertly managed under the leadership of Mr. Lenny Da Gama, Vice President of GABA, supported by a dedicated organizing committee.
The 1st Shail Foundation Invitation Cup successfully blended competitive excellence with youth development and strong organizational coordination. With robust participation and exemplary ex*****on, it has established a new standard for junior boxing tournaments in India.
