Don Bosco Oratory Panjim Unveils World-Class Wooden Indoor Sports Court: A New Era for Youth Sports in Goa
Panjim, Goa | 6 August 2026 As Don Bosco Oratory Panjim prepares to celebrate 81 years of nurturing young lives through sports, education and values, it has added another landmark to its rich legacy with the inauguration of a state-ofthe-art wooden indoor basketball and volleyball court – one of the finest multi-purpose youth sporting facilities in Goa. Developed through a strategic partnership between Don Bosco Oratory Panjim and Goa Guardians, the project represents a significant investment in the future of Goan sport. While Don Bosco continues its longstanding mission of youth development, Goa Guardians has led the refurbishment of the indoor facility as part of its wider vision to strengthen sporting infrastructure and create better opportunities for young athletes across the state. The transformation of the existing tiled indoor basketball court into an international-standard wooden basketball and volleyball arena marks a significant milestone in the history of the Oratory.
Designed to meet the demands of modern competitive sport, the new playing surface enhances athlete performance while significantly reducing stress on players’ knees and joints, making it safer for both training and competition. What began as Goa Guardians’ search for a professional training venue for its Prime Volleyball League team soon evolved into a much larger vision. Rather than creating an exclusive practice facility, the franchise partnered with Don Bosco Oratory to develop a permanent community asset that would benefit generations of young basketball and volleyball players across Goa. The result is a world-class indoor venue that will serve schools, clubs, academies, community tournaments and elite athletes alike. The official inauguration took place on 4 August 2026 at Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim, in the presence of Fr. Clive Telles, SDB, Provincial, members of the Provincial Council, Fr. Tamatur Cardozo, SDB, Arup Soans, General Manager of Goa Guardians, representatives of the franchise, distinguished guests, benefactors, members of the sporting fraternity and media representatives from across Goa. Representing Goa Guardians, General Manager Arup Soans participated in the inauguration of the refurbished indoor court, marking another milestone in the franchise’s continued investment towards strengthening sports infrastructure, youth development and high-performance pathways in Goa. The inauguration also marked the commencement of the Silver Jubilee Basketball Tournament, organised by Don Bosco Oratory Panjim in partnership with Goa Guardians & YMCA Panjim, officially opening the new court with competitive action and bringing together basketball teams from across the state. For over eight decades, Don Bosco Oratory has remained committed to the vision of Saint John Bosco, who believed that every young person deserves the very best opportunities to discover and develop their God-given talents. This new facility is a tangible expression of that enduring mission. As Don Bosco often reminded his followers, “Give the best to the young, and they will give their best to society.” Reflecting on the completion of the project, Br. James Marcus, SDB, shared: “Every project undertaken for the welfare of young people is ultimately God’s work. Time and again, I have experienced His providence in the missions entrusted to us. When we place our complete trust in Him, He provides the right people, the right resources, and the right time. This beautiful court is a living testimony that God continues to bless every sincere effort made for the youth.” The Salesian Community of Don Bosco Panjim expresses its sincere gratitude to Goa Guardians, whose partnership and commitment helped bring this ambitious project to life, as well as to every benefactor, supporter and well-wisher who contributed towards making the dream a reality. Beyond a new playing surface, this facility represents a shared investment in the future of Goan sport. It will provide a permanent home for basketball and volleyball development, nurture the next generation of athletes, and strengthen pathways from grassroots participation to national-level competition. The facility will soon welcome another landmark event. From 14–16 August 2026, the court will host the inaugural Guardians Trophy, a pan-India Under-21 volleyball tournament organised by Goa Guardians in partnership with the Prime Volleyball League (PVL)—India’s FIVB-recognised premier professional volleyball league. The tournament will bring together youth squads from all ten PVL franchises and over 120 of India’s most promising young volleyball players, making Panjim a national hub for volleyball talent development. As Don Bosco Oratory celebrates 81 years of dedicated service to the youth of Goa, this new world-class sports facility stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when institutions committed to youth development and organisations investing in professional sport come together with a common purpose. Together, Don Bosco Oratory Panjim and Goa Guardians hope this court becomes far more than a venue – it becomes the home of future champions, lifelong friendships and sporting dreams for generations to come.
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