CM calls SFA qualifiers a key milestone for Women’s Football in Goa at Jersey unveiling

Goa Khabar : The Sesa Football Academy (SFA) Senior Women’s Team has created history by qualifying for the 2025–26 Indian Women’s League (IWL) for the first time, becoming only the fifth team from Goa to reach the country’s top-tier women’s competition; to mark the achievement, Vedanta Sesa Goa hosted a Jersey Unveiling Ceremony at the Amona Panchayat Ground, graced by Dr Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, who felicitated the team and extended his best wishes ahead of their national debut.

“SFA Qualifying for Indian Women’s League is an important step for women’s football in Goa”

– Dr Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble CM, Goa

This maiden qualification places SFA among the top 8 teams in India’s premier women’s football championship and marks a significant moment for women’s football in Goa, which returns to the national stage after three years.

The ceremony was graced by Dr Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble CM, Goa, as Chief Guest, along with Padmashri Brahmanand Shankhwalkar, Mr Navin Jaju, CEO, Vedanta Sesa Goa, Dr Caitano Fernandes, President, Goa Football Association (GFA), Mr Laxman Hadfadkar, Executive Member, GFA, Mr Kennedy Dsilva, Mr Marcos Merghulhao, Mr Swapnesh Bansal, CFO, Vedanta Sesa Goa, Mr Saptesh Saresai, CEO–VAB, and other company executives. The event saw enthusiastic participation from the SFA women’s team, coaching and support staff, community members, and students of Sesa Technical School.

During the ceremony, Dr Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble CM, Goa, addressed the gathering and said: “Sesa Football Academy’s qualification for the Indian Women’s League marks an important step for women’s football in Goa. It is encouraging to see a team from the Vedanta Women’s League progress to the national stage, reflecting the commitment shown by the Academy and its partners in building competitive playing structures in the state. I appreciate the efforts that have enabled Goan players to reach this level and I look forward to seeing SFA represent Goa with determination and discipline in the forthcoming season.”

Sharing his thoughts, Mr Navin Jaju, CEO, Vedanta Sesa Goa, said: “It is a proud moment for Sesa Football Academy to secure qualification for the Indian Women’s League. Over the years, Vedanta Sesa Goa has worked closely with the Goa Football Association to strengthen the Vedanta Women’s League, which has become an important platform for women footballers in the state. Since 2023, SFA has also fielded its own team in the league, and their consistent performance has led to their well-deserved progression to the national stage. This achievement reflects the steady advancement of our football initiatives and reinforces our commitment to supporting structured player development in Goa.”

Speaking on the team’s achievement, Dr Caitano Fernandes, President, GFA, said: “Sesa Football Academy’s qualification for the Indian Women’s League is an inspiring milestone for women’s football in Goa. The team has shown conviction, discipline and the ability to compete at higher levels, and their journey sends a strong message to young players across the state that such achievements are within reach. The Goa Football Association recognises the hard work behind this progression and stands firmly behind SFA as they step onto the national stage. We believe they will represent Goa with confidence and set new benchmarks in the season ahead.”

The SFA women’s team was established in 2023 and made an impressive debut in the Vedanta Women’s League (VWL), finishing third in their inaugural season. Their rapid rise continued as they were crowned VWL Champions in 2025, followed by a strong 3rd place finish in IWL2, securing their qualification for the top tier. With this achievement, SFA becomes the fifth team from Goa to compete in the IWL.

The team will now travel to Kolkata for the first phase of the league and is set to face Garhwal FC in their opening match on 20th December 2025.