Goa Police Cup to get underway on Aug 7

A dozen football teams, including Indian Navy - a first time entrant - will take part in the Goa Police Cup beginning from August 7.
The 13-day-long football tournament will also kick-start the soccer season in the coastal state.
Addressing a press conference here today, SP (Crime) Karthik Kashyap said, "The 14th edition of the all-Goa tournament, for a change, will have an outstation team, Indian Navy, playing alongside 11 Goan clubs. Matches will be played at four venues, including Duler Stadium in Mapusa."
The organisers, though, are yet to obtain approval from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Indian Navy's participation in the tournament, which was revived last year after a five-year hiatus, he stated.

The tournament, sponsored by Axis Bank, is being organised by the Goa Police Sports Cell in association with Vasco Sports Club and the Goa Football Association (GFA).
The 12 teams - Salgaocar FC, Dempo, Sporting Clube de Goa, Vasco SC, Sesa Football Academy, Calangute Association, Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim, Corps of Signals, Indian Navy and hosts Goa Police SC -- have been divided into four groups of three teams each.

The winner of each group qualifies for the semi-finals scheduled for August 14 and 16. The winners of Group A will face winner of Group D and Group B topper will meet Group C winners for a place in the finals on August 19.

On the opening day, Sporting Clube will meet Calangute Association at Duler, while Salgaocar face Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim Ambelim.
The tournament winner will get Rs 2 lakh in prize money and runners-up Rs 1 lakh. The best player of the tournament will become richer by Rs 10,000.