By Adrian Fernandes for BIS Mumhai

On November 30, 2025, the youth of DBYS (Don Bosco Youth Services), Matunga hosted the Maschio Cup for the fourth consecutive year, bringing together young athletes from across the Salesian Institutions in the Mumbai region for a day of football and throwball competition held in honour of the late Fr Maschio Aurelius.

The programme began with a melodious prayer song sung by Chris Lobo, Music Teacher at (DBIS) Don Bosco International School. His soulful rendition set a reverent tone for the day and invited a sense of unity among all present. Following this, Fr Edwin Dsouza, Rector of the Shrine, addressed the gathering with warm words of welcome.

This year's event saw remarkable participation, with five teams registering for the throwball category, including girls’ teams, and an impressive sixteen teams competing in the football tournament. The registration process itself was filled with excitement and anticipation, as players arrived with high spirits, ready to give their best performance for the coveted Fr Maschio Cup.

The football competition kicked off with the pool stages, where the sixteen teams were divided into four pools. Each team played against the others in its respective pool, battling for top positions that would decide their advancement through the tournament. The matches were intense, showcasing skill, determination, and healthy rivalry among the teams.

A significant highlight this year was the first-ever edition of throwball matches introduced into the tournament’s schedule. The participating throwball teams played league matches, displaying strong coordination and teamwork. The league rounds were followed by an exciting knockout match to determine the final winners, adding a fresh competitive edge to the event.

The tournament concluded with a prize distribution ceremony presided by Fr Robert Pen the Vice Provincial. In the football category, Golden Savions, Andheri emerged as the champions, while Don Bosco College, Kurla, secured the runner-up position. In the throwball competition, St. John Bosco, Borivali, bagged the first place, followed by DBIT (Don Bosco Institute of Technology), Kurla, as the runners-up.

The Fr Maschio Cup 2025 stood out as a resounding success, fuelled by the passion, dedication, and sportsmanship of all the young players. Their enthusiasm and commitment continue to make the tournament a cherished annual event of the SYM (Salesian Youth Movement), one that the youth look forward to with great anticipation each year.