The Adi Memorial Cup: A Heartfelt Tribute to a Friend and Veteran Footballer

by Chittu Shetty June 24, 2025

All the top veterans of Mumbai recently gathered for “The Adi Memorial Cup,” a league and knockout tournament dedicated to honouring the memory of Aditya ‘Adi’ Venkataraman.

This unique competition brought together veteran footballers aged 40 and above, celebrating not just the spirit of the game but also the enduring camaraderie among its seasoned players.

This memorial cup was conceived from a place of deep personal tribute. It was organized by Joe Miranda, the owner of MYJ FC, with support from Colin’s Cafe, who sought to honor his true friend, Adi, whose passing left a profound void. The tournament stands as a testament to their bond and Adi’s lasting impact on those around him.

The inaugural Adi Memorial Cup proved to be a memorable affair, drawing a star-studded lineup of veteran players and graced by two chief guests of the highest calibre – India International Players – Ashutosh Mehta, who currently plays for Jamshedpur FC, and Bryce Miranda, a key player for Inter Kashi. The pitches were alive with the skills of familiar names, including the Mumbai Legend Steven Dias, known as “the Indian Beckham” for his spectacular free kicks with 51 appearances for the Indian National Team and currently the Head Coach of Jamshedpur FC Reserves. Joining him on the field was Paresh Shivalkar, who represented Maharashtra 9 times, captaining three of them, a former I-League player notable for his time with Mumbai FC, among other esteemed veterans.

In a thrilling culmination to the tournament, OS-Chembur emerged victorious, clinching the championship title. This was their 10th Final in the last eleven tournaments.

Their winning lineup featured a formidable blend of talent, including Monish Bhamre, Hekmat Singh, Vijith Shetty, and the celebrated Steven Dias, Paresh Shivalkar, and Santosh Koli – all National and I-League players. Steven Dias’s exceptional performance in the final earned him the Man of the Match award. Spartans FC secured the runners-up position after a closely fought battle against OS-Chembur in the finale.

Individual brilliance was also recognized during the event. OS-Chembur’s Santosh Koli was deservedly crowned the Player of the Tournament for his outstanding display of skills throughout the competition. In recognition of his crucial saves and commanding presence, OS-Chembur’s goalkeeper Atif Ansari was adjudged the Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Nigel D’Souza from Spartans FC received the Best Defender award from the tournament for his exceptional work at the back.

The Adi Memorial Cup served as a heartfelt tribute, uniting veteran players in a celebration of shared passion and enduring friendships, all while honouring the legacy of Aditya ‘Adi’ Venkataraman. It was a day where memories were cherished, and the love for football continued to shine brightly among its most experienced exponents.

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