Kuwait’s Young Cricket Star Angel Gabriella D’Costa Shines on Indian Turf
At just 16 years old, Angel Gabriella D’Costa is making waves in the cricketing world. Born and raised in Kuwait to parents with roots in Udupi and Mangaluru, India, she has become the first player from Kuwait to represent Goa at the state level. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in her cricketing career, demonstrating her talent, dedication, and ability to break barriers in the sport.
From an early age, Angel exhibited a natural inclination toward sports, excelling in multiple disciplines before finding her true calling in cricket. Her journey has been one of persistence, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence—qualities that have set her apart as a rising star in Indian cricket.
Early Life and Diverse Athletic Pursuits
Angel’s passion for sports began at a young age. At just five years old, she won a bronze medal in Taekwondo at the Goa State Championship, showcasing her potential as a competitive athlete. Her athletic abilities were not limited to one sport. By the age of eight, she was actively participating in basketball, playing as a forward in inter-school tournaments. She also demonstrated exceptional skills in throwball, sprinting, and chess, proving her versatility across multiple sporting disciplines.
Her family recognized her competitive spirit early on. Angel’s mother, Lavina Magdalene D’Souza, recalls, “Angel has always been a very competitive child. She doesn’t like to lose and always puts in her best effort to win, whether it’s cricket, sprinting, or even chess. We saw her determination grow stronger as she got older.”
Her exposure to various sports helped her develop the agility, discipline, and mental toughness required to excel in competitive sports. However, it was cricket that ultimately captured her heart and became her primary focus.
Transition to Cricket and Early Success
Angel’s journey into cricket began with local box cricket matches in Kuwait. She quickly stood out, displaying impressive bowling and batting skills. Her natural talent did not go unnoticed, and she soon earned a spot in the Kuwait Senior Women’s Cricket Team.
However, her official debut had to wait. Due to age restrictions set by the International Cricket Council (ICC), she was not eligible to play in senior-level matches until she turned 15. Despite this, she remained committed, training rigorously and preparing herself for the opportunities ahead.
Angel’s father, Gilbert D’Costa, played a crucial role in nurturing her cricketing dreams. His unwavering support and guidance helped her navigate the challenges of balancing academics and sports. He ensured she received the best possible training and exposure, setting the foundation for her future success.
A Bold Move: Pursuing the Indian Cricket Dream
In 2022, with aspirations of playing professional cricket in India, Angel made the bold decision to relocate to the country. The transition was not easy, but she was determined to push herself to new heights.
She enrolled in an intensive cricket training program, dedicating 4-5 hours daily to sharpening her skills. Under the mentorship of experienced coaches, including a former Ranji Trophy player, she refined her techniques, strengthened her bowling, and enhanced her batting capabilities.
Her efforts paid off when she was selected as an opening bowler for the Goa state team. This was a groundbreaking moment—not just for Angel but for aspiring cricketers from Kuwait and India. Her selection proved that with perseverance and the right guidance, young athletes could break through barriers and achieve their dreams, regardless of their starting point.
Her performance for Goa has been commendable, earning her recognition from coaches and fellow players. Angel’s ability to adapt to different playing conditions and maintain composure under pressure has made her a valuable asset to her team.
Challenges and Triumphs
Angel’s journey has not been without challenges. Moving to a new country, adapting to a different cricketing ecosystem, and competing against some of the best young talents in India required immense resilience. However, she has embraced every obstacle as an opportunity to grow.
Her experience playing international cricket with Kuwait also provided her with a unique advantage. Competing at the Women’s T20 Asia Qualifiers and GCC Women’s T20 Championship exposed her to high-pressure matches, helping her develop confidence and strategic thinking.
Moreover, she has had to balance academics with her rigorous cricketing schedule. Like many young athletes, she faces the pressure of excelling both on and off the field. However, with strong family support and an unwavering focus, she continues to manage her responsibilities effectively.
The Road Ahead: A Future Full of Promise
Angel Gabriella D’Costa’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and cross-cultural support in sports. Her story is inspiring for young athletes, particularly those from smaller cricketing nations, proving that talent and hard work can open doors to global opportunities.
As she continues to sharpen her skills and gain experience, her ultimate goal remains clear: to play for India’s national cricket team. With her current trajectory, she is well on her way to achieving this dream.
In the years ahead, Angel aims to represent Goa at higher levels, participate in premier domestic tournaments, and eventually earn a spot in the Indian Women’s Cricket Team. Given her determination and rapid progress, cricket enthusiasts and experts believe she has what it takes to reach the international stage.
Her journey also serves as an example of how sports can transcend borders. She has seamlessly bridged her Kuwaiti upbringing with Indian cricket, demonstrating the unifying power of the game.
Final Thoughts
Angel Gabriella D’Costa’s story is not just about cricket—it is about dreaming big, pushing boundaries, and believing in oneself. Her rise from a young girl playing box cricket in Kuwait to representing Goa at state-level tournaments is proof that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible.
As she continues to make strides in her career, the cricketing world will be watching. Whether it’s for Goa, India, or an international T20 league, one thing is certain—Angel’s journey is just beginning, and the best is yet to come.
Key Takeaways from Angel’s Journey:
✅ First cricketer from Kuwait to represent Goa at the state level.
✅ Started as a multi-sport athlete excelling in taekwondo, basketball, and sprinting.
✅ Trained intensively in India, mentored by experienced coaches.
✅ Played for the Kuwait Senior Women’s Team before transitioning to Indian cricket.
✅ Dreams of playing for the Indian Women’s Cricket Team in the future.
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