Goa, Oct. 28 -- Valanka Alemao was elected as the new President of the Goa Foot ball Association (GFA) on Tuesday, defeating the incumbent, Caitano Fernandes. With this victory, she made histo ry by becoming the first woman to lead the top governing body of Goan football. The elections were held at the Don Bosco Provin cial House in Goa. A total of 160 votes were cast, of which Valanka polled 83 votes while Fernandes got 67 votes, thus winning by a margin of 16 votes. There were 10 invalid votes.

Apart from the presi dential race, the State's football members voted to select the vice-presi dents, treasurer, and other members of the executive committee to oversee the development and ad ministration of football in Goa. Valanka is the third...