Written by Tanisha Cardozo
Goa, July 3, 2025 — In a landmark achievement for Indian martial arts and female representation in international sports, Shikha Pathak, a resident of Vasco, Goa, has been appointed as the Head Referee for the Fighting Ju-Jitsu discipline across Asia by the Ju-Jitsu Asian Union (JJAU). With this appointment, Shikha not only becomes the first Indian but also the only woman from the continent to hold this prestigious post.
As Head Referee, Shikha will oversee the Referee Education Development Program across 44 Asian nations, spanning East, West, Central, and South-West Asia. This involves mentoring, technical training, and ensuring the standardization of officiating across all major Ju-Jitsu events in the region.
2024-25 has been a groundbreaking period for Shikha. She became the first Asian referee selected for the World Combat Games in Riyadh, serving among the elite International Technical Officials. She also became the first Indian referee to officiate at the Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.
Her international credentials include:
- Adult Ju-Jitsu World Championship in Mongolia
- Youth World Championship in Kazakhstan
- JJIF Grand Prix in Thailand
- World Contact Cup
- Multiple other global-level tournaments
She has also been officially selected to officiate at the upcoming World and Youth Ju-Jitsu Championships in Greece, continuing her impressive run at the sport’s highest level.
Shikha’s journey is more than just personal triumph — it’s a pathbreaking moment for Indian martial arts and women in sports leadership. Her dedication, technical excellence, and international recognition mark her as a role model for both athletes and officials.
Her rise also puts a spotlight on Goa’s growing presence in global sports, showcasing how regional talent is making waves internationally.
As she takes charge of shaping Ju-Jitsu officiating across an entire continent, Shikha Pathak’s story stands as a testament to determination, excellence, and trailblazing leadership. Her appointment will surely inspire a new wave of Indian referees—especially women—to dream big and go global.
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