The land of white sand beaches accompanying the Arabian Sea ameliorated the football ecosystem of the country. There are notable players, coaches, journalists, etc when it comes to Goa. Bhausaheb Bandodkar was a passionate sports person and often termed as the ‘favorite politician of Goa.’ The Bandodkar Gold Trophy in the name of Dayanand Bandodkar was made of gold, and it was donated to the winners.
Who is Dayanand Bandodkar?
Dayanand Bandodkar was the first ever Chief Minister of Goa. During his first term he administered Goa coupled with Daman and Diu with only two ministers. Later it went up to three. Bhausaheb Bandodkar was very fond of cricket. N. Radhakrishnan revealed in his book ‘Dayanand Balkrishna Bandodkar: The Architect of Modern Goa – Bandodkar took cricket more seriously than anything else, so much so that people felt that cricket was his first love, family next, and politics last.”
The Bandodkar Gold Trophy
The Goa Football Association was established right after 12 years of Independence. The federation orchestrated the first league in the year 1959. Independte de Margao won the Primera Divisão, the then Goa First Division football league. Similarly, The Bandodkar Gold Trophy was the first ever cup tournament conducted by the GFA, under the guidance of Dayanand Bandodkar. The first edition of the tournament was held in 1970.
Ever since the beginning, clubs from Goa along with other states participated in the tournament. The last major edition of the tournament was held in 1992 and Salgaocar FC were the champions. Dempo SC of Panaji are the record holders as they have 8 titles in their name. The trophy was made of gold, and it was donated to the Champions. As years went by, the GFA discerned this caused major financial depravity. Former Dempo FC midfielder, Valente Fernandes said that the trophy was massively heavy. Nevertheless, the Annual General Meeting of the Goa Football Association in 2016 revealed shocking details when the valuation was calculated. “On evaluation, the contents of the trophy were approximately 69% copper, 29% silver and 11% of gold” said the then GFA President.
Revamping of the Bandodkar Gold Trophy
In the year, 2016 the tournament was transmuted and brought into action once again. The federation invited under – 21 boys to play the tournament. However, the record holders, Dempo SC lost to the Reserve side of FC Pune City. Eventually in 2024, the GFA promulgated that the tournament will be backed by the Government of Goa. Prior to this year’s tournament FC Goa clinched their victory over Kerela Blasters FC.
Foreign Teams in the Tournament
Since the inception of the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Trophy this was the first time when two foreign teams participated in the tournament. Brisbane Roar FC from Australia and Club de Deportivo Defensa y Justicia from the land of ‘El Pibe de Oro’ or The Golden Boy.
Brisbane Roar already defeated Dempo SC on a rainy evening in Fatorda and became the first team to play the tournament. It was time for the Argentine colts to show their prowess. Five players landed in the afternoon on their scheduled match day, others a day prior. Due to poor weather conditions, players and staff faced dreadful times as they misplaced their luggage. Caitano Fernandes, The President of Goa Football Association (GFA) said to TOI that postponing was an option, but Odisha FC were not ready to postpone the game. Odisha FC was concerned with the 48-hour gap between the first and second match.
After landing in the afternoon, Defensa y Justicia agrees to play
Being the organizing committee GFA dealt with efficiency. In order to start the game GFA had to manage kits for Defensa y Justicia players. The Goa Football Association provided jerseys, socks, shin guards and even shoes. The team’s physiotherapist provided a list of his own medical requirements. GFA wanted to ensure safety and avoid risk during the 90 minutes.
After much inconvenience, the match kicked off at 9:00 PM (IST). Defensa y Justicia eventually agreed to play the match. The first half ended goal less. Vergara Cruz drew the first blood for Defensa y Justicia. Raynier Fernandes scored the equalizer for Odisha FC and provided the confidence to snatch the game. Nevertheless, Carlos Delgado Rodriguez headed a corner and gave Odisha FC all the points. Moreover, Defensa y Justicia did not hand over the points. The team went on to the battlefield without their own swords and shields and came back with their heads high. This sportsman spirit depicts the professionalism and culture which is practiced within the club.
Despite flight delays and misplaced luggage, The Goa Football Association conducted the match without hindrance. This gesture of GFA will not only remain in the history books but this mindset should be nurtured within every state football association.
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