NEWS
Father of Goan Basketball Honoured as 90 Teams Compete Across Goa
Celebrating the legacy of a priest hailed as the Father of Goan Basketball, the All-Goa Fr. Benedict Furtado Basketball Tournament was held across two weekends — June 21–22 and June 27–29, 2025 — drawing close to 90 teams from across the state in five youth categories: Under-10, Under-12, Under-14, Under-16, and Under-17.
Organized by the Don Bosco Oratory, the tournament was in honour of the late Fr. Benedict Furtado, a Salesian priest who introduced basketball to Goa. He built the first basketball court at Don Bosco, Panjim, and served as the first President of the Goa Basketball Association. His vision and efforts laid the foundation for the sport's growth in the region.
For the first time in the state, 5-a-side league matches were conducted for the Under-10 and Under-12 categories on June 21 and 22. The Under-14 and Under-16 age groups competed in the 3x3 format, while the Under-17 matches followed the 5-a-side structure between June 27 and 29.
The initiative aimed to provide children a platform to experience the sport, build fundamental skills, and develop an interest in basketball from a young age. Br. James Marcus, Director of the Don Bosco Oratory, emphasized the role of parental encouragement, saying, "We want to foster a culture where children are supported to grow through sport — emotionally, physically, and socially."
The tournament involved several local clubs, including the YMCA, and received dedicated support from Oratory coaches and staff. Their efforts ensured the smooth and successful running of the event.
Two veteran coaches — Sir Olencio Dias, who is still actively training young players, and Sir Luis Fernandes, a former student of Fr. Benedict and a close collaborator of the Don Bosco Oratory — were honoured for their longstanding dedication to youth basketball.
Fr. Clive Telles, Provincial of the Salesians in Goa, reflected on the influence of Fr. Furtado: "He was a friend to the youth. Many who were inspired by his energy and faith went on to become priests themselves."
The Don Bosco Oratory has announced plans to make the tournament an annual fixture, continuing Fr. Furtado's legacy and inspiring generations of young basketball players across Goa.















