Brief history of DOHA GOANS SPORTS CLUB, and how it came into existence.
- Basil Coutinho is the main architect to keep the Goan Community in a happ
In Oct. 1984 two Goan football teams formed under the sponsorship of Air India, Indian National carrier, and participated in the expat league, where teams from countries like England, Brazil, Scotland, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, etc. participated including our two Goan teams, as Air India Wanderers team A, and team B, where we won third and fourth place respectively.
After the end of the league Air India Wanderers ( Goa ) participated in the tournament organized by AKC, and won this prestigious cup in the year 1985.
During the victory celebration unanimously decided to form a Goan Club. Mr. Olavo D'Lima Fernandes appointed as co coordinator, and Doha Goans Sports Club was formed initially with 30 members including Mr. Lawrence Menezes as chairman 1985-86.
1986-1987 Mr. Anthony Dias was the President then 1987-1988 Mr. Sunktankar was the president. Activities from 1984 till 1988 mid, were only football and there were hardly any increase in membership. In 1988 Mr. Bsil Coutinho elected unopposed president of Doha Goans Sports Club, and when he took over the president ship, within a short period the shape and the image of the club, changed completely, members increased from 30 to 415, and subsequently went on increasing.
Different activities were introduced such as cultural, sports, and social. First time in the history of the club, and in the Goan Community May Queen Ball organized in hotel Sheraton on 9th May 1991, with great enthusiasm, with live band, which was attracted by over one thousand people. ( This was a great event ). A unique introduction of one act play, and singing competition in Konkani was golden opportunity for Goans to come out and prove their talents, and it was a great success. Annual sports, Carol singing during Christmas festivity, football tournaments, like Zonal, 9a side, 7 a side, penalty shoot out, inter village tournament etc. Also Doha Goans organized for the first time All Gulf 9-a-side Tournament, teams from different Gulf Countries participated. Cricket, volley ball, and ladies throw ball were additional activities involved.
During the tenure of Mr. Basil Coutinho DGSC won many cups in Qatar and other parts of the Gulf. Doha Goans Sports Club was champions of the league and supper league, defeated Egypt Air.
All Goan traditional feasts including 15th Aug. Independence of India, Republic Day 26th January, 19th Dec. Goa Liberation Day, were celebrated with cultural activities, and so also Qatar Independence Day. ALL proceeds of the functions held were used for needy Goans. St. Francis Xavier being the Patron of the Club, feast celebrated annually, with free dinner to the members followed by a musical night.
Basil Coutinho is the main architect to keep the Goan Community in a happy mood, animated, and united with all these activities in action, even now in his retired age he is not siting quite very much occupied, and involved in promoting social activities.
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