Kennedy wins sports award for pioneering work in Africa, Asia

Panaji: Kennedy D’Silva was honoured with the International Grandeur Award 2025 for executive leadership in sports development in New Delhi, recently.D’Silva, director of the Karuna Football Foundation, won the award for his pioneering work in the Afro Asia Compassion Football initiative, a program that uses football as a tool for change across East Africa and several Asian countries.Organized by Kiteskraft Productions, the International Grandeur Awards acknowledge individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields.D’Silva was recognised for empowering leaders working in marginalised and underprivileged communities through sports-based training, particularly football, to promote holistic development, education and social inclusion.“The award is a tribute to the many unsung heroes in communities around the world,” said D’Silva. “I am humbled and encouraged to continue this mission. The award reflects a growing global acknowledgment of leaders who use sports not just as a game, but as a platform for leadership, justice and community empowerment.”D’Silva is known in Goa for his role with Compassion SC, a club that focuses on grassroots football, particularly girls, participating in various Goa Football Association-organised tournaments in age group categories. The club won the girls under-13 and under-15 categories, and finished runners-up in the under-17 category last season.