PANAJI: The team of newly crowned I-League champions, Dempo SC, was felicitated by club boss Mr Shrinivas Dempo in a function held at Dempo House in the city on Saturday.

Dempo have become the champion club of India again as they secured their second I-League trophy and the fourth national league title under coach Armando Colaco, who is now the most successful coach in Indian club football. On the occasion, all the Dempo players and support staff were rewarded with Rs 50,000 each for their triumph.
In his address to a gathering of club fans, officials and the media, Mr Dempo said that he was “humbled” by the experience and overjoyed at the feat achieved by his club. “The joy is limitless. I cannot express my happiness, it’s just unbelievable,” Chairman of Dempo Group of Companies said.
“A big thank you to Armando and his boys. All the credit for bringing Dempo the glory goes to this incredible bunch of players. You deserve all the accolades, and I am really humbled by this great experience,” Mr Dempo said in praise of the players. “What Dempo SC have achieved over the years makes us very proud as Goans. The team has taken the game to the next level and given an identity to Indian football on the map of the world game. This will inspire us to only get better with time.”
Mr Dempo also made a special mention of three fans — Valente Dias, Antonio Nunes and Caitano Gracias (Pep), who he said were constant source of inspiration for the blue brigade. “This team is like a family. Every family has its problems. But it is the fans who are the permanent support system which keeps us going. It is your fine display of unity that motivates us. We are the champions because of this unity, and everybody envies you for that today.”
“We have a great team and a great coach who leads them from the front. I see no reason why we can’t keep bringing more trophies home. This I-League victory is also very special for me because it comes around the 75th birth anniversary celebrations of my late father, Vasudev Dempo,” Mr Dempo said.
At a time when other big clubs are facing financial instability as sponsors are rethinking their investment in football, Dempo are keen to build on their success and spread their wings in the next big league of Asian football. On the one hand, there is the sad case of Mahindra United, one of the best clubs in the country, being disbanded at the end of this season. But there is a silver lining amid the gloom for Indian football with Dempo SC set to stake claim for continental honours again. The last time they missed it by a whisker, bowing out in the semi-finals of the AFC Cup — the qualifying tournament for the AFC Champions League, the elite tournament hosted by Asian Football Confederation involving top 34 clubs from Asia.   
Mr Dempo sounded optimistic about future of the game in the state. “We are called a cricket crazy nation. But I see a different picture emerging at the grassroots. Football is going to give a tough competition to cricket, and this I say as I see our youngsters vigorously pursuing the game in our state. For sure, cricket will have a tough challenger in football in near future.”
And to boost the game in the state, Dempo are in the process of building a world class football stadium in Goa. “There are big plans. If we get the cooperation that we expect from the All India Football Federation and the government, then we will have the best infrastructure for football in the state. We are in the process of building a world class stadium here which will accommodate about 8,000 spectators. This is for the start and the stadium will be extended in future. So all of you will have a permanent base where you will always be with your favourite players,” Mr Dempo announced to applause from the audience. 
Speaking about Dempo’s win, Mr Dempo said, “This is a victory for Goa. These achievements are due to the blessings of our elders who had envisioned this moment, and it’s a reality today. I hope all of you keep your allegiance to Dempo as we hope to grow stronger as a sporting power,” Mr Dempo concluded.
Mr Dempo then felicitated the team players and the coaching staff and later cut a cake with the players to celebrate the national championship. Mr Savio Noronha compered the event.