Goa celebrates a proud moment as two of its national-level weightlifters — Iram Irshad Khatri and Sakshi Vishwas Haldankar — have successfully completed the prestigious 6-week certificate course in weightlifting coaching by the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS), India’s premier Olympic sports coaching institute.
The course, held from 6 May to 2 July 2025, witnessed rigorous theoretical and practical training, and both athletes stood out for their commitment and performance. Notably, Iram Irshad Khatri made history by becoming Goa’s first female heavyweight national-level athlete in Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting to complete the certification. She also scored the highest among all participating female athletes in the course.
Both Iram and Sakshi are proud trainees of renowned coaches Tanuj Kinalkar and Lavu Govekar, under whom they train at the SAG Complex in Campal, Panaji.
These certifications mark a significant step forward not just for their personal sporting journeys, but for Goa’s grassroots sports development. Both athletes are now committed to nurturing future lifters, creating opportunities for young talent, and enhancing the state’s presence in national and Olympic-level weightlifting.
With their passion, expertise, and official coaching credentials, Iram and Sakshi are poised to become trailblazers in Goa’s weightlifting ecosystem.
