The prestigious 17th Geno Sports Awards 2013 function organized by The Sports Journalists Association of Goa was held at a starred hotel in Panjim yesterday.

I-League champions Churchill Brothers SC were awarded the “Best Team” award for their achivement in the last season, while Churchill’s head coach Mariano Dias was named the “Best Coach”. Valanka Alemao (CEO, Churchill Brothers SC) thanked The Sports Journalists Association of Goa along with Geno Pharmaceuticals for recognizing the hard work put in by the team in winning the I-League and insuring that the trophy remained in Goa.

“It feels really good getting this award but at the same time, we really have to work hard to keep up to the expectations of being the champions of India,” Alemao told.

Head coach Mariano Dias and Indian internationals Lenny Rodrigues and Denzil Franco were also present at the event.

The annual Geno Sports Awards recognize sporting achievements in eight different categories.

The Winners of the 17th Geno Sports Awards 2013:

Best Team
Churchill Brothers SC

Best Coach
Mariano Dias (Head of Coach, Churchill Brothers SC)

Best Sportman
Aalhad Thati (State Diving Champion)

Best Sportswoman
Akanksha Salunkhe (Squash Champion)

Best Upcoming Sportsman
Rishabh Naik (Chess)

Best Upcoming Sportswoman
Urmila Mense (Table Tennis)

Best College for Sports
St. Xavier’s Mapusa

Best School
Don Bosco Panjim