St. Paul’s Crowned Champions in Paulite Cup 2025

The inaugural Paulite Cup 2025 came to a thunderous close at the St. Paul’s High School Grounds, Belagavi, as the home team, St. Paul’s High School, outclassed arch-rivals St. Xavier’s High School with a commanding 4-1 victory in the grand finale of this under-14 football showdown.

In front of an enthusiastic crowd, St. Paul’s turned on the style early in the game. Star striker Aradhya Nakadi set the tone with two quick goals in the 7th and 13th minutes, while Abdul Mateen Sayyed added to the tally with strikes in the 9th and 47th minutes. St. Xavier’s showed brief signs of a comeback when Arquaan Badighar pulled one back in the 25th minute, but the Paulite defense held firm.

The match was a perfect culmination of a week-long celebration of youth football, organized by St. Paul’s High School and powered by Paulites of Belgaum Worldwide (PBW). The finale drew dignitaries, alumni sponsors, and cheering fans from across the city.

????️ Chief Guest Spotlight:
Dr. Derek Fernandes, Bishop of Belagavi, graced the final as the chief guest alongside notable personalities including Neelam and Sheetal Gutigoli, and Dipen Shah of Infinity Studio.

???? Present in Support:
School leaders like Fr. Simon Fernandes (Principal, St. Paul’s), Fr. Alendro DaCosta (Vice Principal, St. Paul’s), and Fr. Cyril Braggs (Principal, St. Xavier’s) added gravitas to the occasion.

Paulite Cup 2025 – Final Score:
St. Paul’s High School 4 – 1 St. Xavier’s High School

⚽ Goal Scorers – St. Paul’s High School:

• Aradhya Nakadi – 7’, 13’
• Abdul Mateen Sayyed – 9’, 47’

⚡ Goal Scorer – St. Xavier’s High School:

• Arquaan Badighar – 25’

???? Tournament Awards:

• Best Disciplined Team: Indus Altum School
• Best Coach: Shravan Usgaonkar (St. Paul’s)
• Best Goalkeeper: Tushar Sambargi (Jain Heritage School)
• Best Upcoming Player: Huzefa Makandar (Cantonment Board School)
• Best Player of the Tournament: Aradhya Nakadi (St. Paul’s)

???? Alumni Behind the Success:

• Title Sponsor: Dr. Guru Motgi (Senior Neurologist, Dallas)
• Golden Sponsor: Doddanavar Brothers (DB Group)
• Bronze Sponsor & Best Player Awards: Dipen Shah (Infinity Studios)
• Finalist Jerseys: Mateen Inamdar (2012 Batch, Sporting Planet)
• Support Sponsor: Stanley Fernandes (1996 Batch)

???? Words from the Ground:
“This tournament showcased more than just football—it was a display of teamwork, resilience, and Paulite spirit,” said PBW President Dr. Madhav Prabhu. “We’re proud to have lit the spark for future stars.”

With roaring applause and glittering trophies, the Paulite Cup 2025 has officially earned its place in the city’s sporting calendar. Here’s to more goals, glory, and growing the game from the grassroots!