The Tournament is named “Fr. Benedict Furtado Basketball Tournament,” because Fr. Benedict was a Salesian of Don Bosco, a priest who introduced Basketball in Goa. He built the first basketball court in Panjim in Don Bosco, and was the first President of GBA (Goa Basketball Association). He was responsible to start Basketball in Goa. The sport owes where it is today to Fr. Benedict Furtado.

The Oratory has taken the initiative to organise The All - Goa Fr. Furtado Basketball tournament for Under- 10, 12, 14, 16 & 17. This is the first time ever that 5 aside Basketball tournament league matches have taken place in Goa, for the under 10 and 12 categories , on the 21st and 22nd June 2025. The under 14, 16 & 17 categories were held on the 27 th , 28 th and 29 th June. under 14 and 16 was 3x3 and under 17 was 5 a side. The aim of this tournament was to give children a taste of Basketball and get coached to become skilled players later.

It was a great sight to see so many parents who had encouraged their children to come and play, and cheering for the kids throughout the whole game. Br. James, the Director of the Oratory, urged the parents to build interest in their children.

As the tournament progressed there were many special guests who were present –
Rev. Fr. Clive Telles (The Provincial of Goa - konkan was the Chief Guest), Rev. Fr. Tamatur Cardozo – Rector of Don Bosco, Panjim; Rev. Fr. Avin Carvalho - Principal, Don Bosco School, Panjim; Rev. Fr. Jason Coelho – Asst. Director of the Oratory; Rev. Fr. Francis Silveira - Economer of the INP Province; Fr. Kinley D’cuz- The Director of Don Bosco colloge; Rev. Fr. Tony Alamo, Rev. Fr. Ralin who was the ex - GBA Secretary and currently the member of GBA Pan India; Mr. Shane Dias - the president of GBA, Mr. Parind Nochinolkar - the Secretory of GBA. Mr. Olencio Dias – Referee In-charge of GBA; Ms. Maria Helen - ex- officio member of GBA; Mr. Flobert Monteiro - ex officio member & Referee.

The referees did a fantastic job throughout the entire game. Many clubs came forward to assist like the YMCA, and a lot of efforts were put in by many who are part of the Oratory including the coaches, and the staff to make the Fr. Benedict Furtado Basketball tournament a big success.

From the photographs, we can see the enthusiasm and the great success of this tournament. The Don Bosco Oratory will hold such tournaments annually henceforth, so that the youngsters will start learning and perfecting the game of basketball.

Highlights of the tournament

In the Under 10 category (Mixed Boys & Girls teams) - The winning team was Loyola (A), Margao and the Runners – up, Loyola (B), Margao. The highest scorer & best player was Varian Caeiro from Loyola (A); and the most disciplined player was Ishanvi Chintis from Don Bosco, Panjim

In the Under 12 Girls category - The winning team was Don Bosco, Fatorda and the Runners – up, Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim. The highest scorer & best player was Eva Mascarenhas from DB Fatorda; and the most disciplined player was Elaine Do Rosario from Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim

In the Under 12 Boys category - the winning team was Loyola, Margao and the runners – up, Don Bosco, Fatorda. The highest scorer & best player was Adriel Rosario from Loyola; and the most disciplined player was Tanay Rane

In the Under 14 Girls category - The winning team was Don Bosco Oratory (DBO) Fatorda, and the Runners – up, Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim. The best player was Natalie Fernandes from DBO Fatorda

In the Under 14 Boys category - the winning team was Don Bosco High School, Panjim, and the runners – up, Loyola Ignitus, Margao. The best player was Fahim Shaikh from DBHS, Panjim.

In the Under 16 Girls category - The winning team was Sonics A, and the Runners – up, Don Bosco Oratory (DBO) Fatorda A. The best player was Kim D’Souza from Sonics A.

In the Under 16 Boys category - the winning team was Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim, and the runners – up, Don Bosco Oratory (DBO) Fatorda. The best player was Avner Mendonca from DBO, Panjim.

In the Under 17 Girls category - The winning team was Sonics A, and the Runners – up, Don Bosco Oratory (DBO) Panjim. The best player was Enira Fernandes from Sonics A.

In the Under 17 Boys category - the winning team was Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda, and the runners – up, Don Bosco Oratory (DBO) Panjim. The best player was Aaron Ponraj from DB0, Fatorda.

In all categories together there were almost 90 teams from all over Goa that participated in these tournaments.

Br. James Marcus, the Director of the Don Bosco Oratory - Panjim, felicitated and thanked two special veterans namely Sir Olencio Dias who is still on the court passionately training basketball players; and Sir Luis Fernandes, who himself was trained by Fr. Benedict Furtado, and is a close collaborator with Don Bosco Oratory, continues to, with persistent zeal coach children to become skilled basketball players.

Fr. Clive Telles, the Provincial of Goa, said that Fr. Benedict Furtado, was the friend of youngsters, many of whom, ultimately attracted to his enthusiasm and devout lifestyle also became priests.