Tag: Martial Arts

Sports

Goa Hosts National Judo Black Belt Camp with Top Coaches and Officials

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa hosted the National Judo Black Belt Camp and NDIC Examination (West Zone) at the Peddem Sports Complex, Mapusa, marking a major event in the state’s sporting calendar. The camp began with an inspiring inauguration ceremony graced by Dr. Ajay Gaude, Executive Director of the Sports Authority of Goa, as the Chief Guest. The event was attended by top coaches and dignitaries, including Dronacharya Awardee Mr. Jiwan Sharma, Mr. Shailesh Tilak, Mr. Satish Pahade, Mr. Virender Vashist, and Mr. Rajan C.S.

A total of 110 participants from across India reported for the camp, which focuses on enhancing technical expertise and evaluating the performance standards of judokas under expert supervision. In his address, Dr. Gaude praised Judo for its discipline and moral strength, describing it as one of the most disciplined sports he personally admires. He encouraged Goan judokas to train harder and compete with the best talent in the nation. Dr. Gaude also highlighted the forthcoming Khelo Goa Scheme, aimed at empowering athletes and boosting Goa’s sports infrastructure.

Mr. Jiwan Sharma reflected on Judo’s global prominence, noting its inclusion in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and commending India’s growing achievements on the world stage. He cited Linthoi Chanambam’s historic world bronze medal as an inspiration for India’s next generation of judokas.

The ceremony was compered by Mrs. Leena Porob. Mr. Girish Pednekar, President of the Goa Judo Association, welcomed the attendees, while Mr. Kripesh Vengurlekar, General Secretary, delivered the vote of thanks. The camp reflects Goa’s commitment to promoting martial arts and nurturing future champions through technical excellence and national-level collaboration.

Sports

🥋 Bipaasha Paul Wins Gold at the 9th South Asian Karate Championship 2025

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Kolkata’s own 14-year-old Bipaasha Paul has made the nation proud by winning gold in the cadet individual kata at the 9th South Asian Karate Championship held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Adding even more glory to her name, she also clinched a silver medal in the team kata category, proving that excellence and determination start early.

Trained for Victory

Bipaasha is coached by renowned martial arts expert Premjit Sen, whose mentorship has nurtured several national and international karate champions. Her discipline, grace, and sharp techniques stood out on the regional stage, earning her a rightful place atop the podium.

India’s Next Generation Shining Bright

At just 14, Bipaasha’s victory isn’t just a personal milestone — it’s a reflection of the strength and commitment of India’s young athletes and the growing momentum in women’s martial arts.

With her sights set high, this is just the beginning of a promising journey in international karate circuits.

🎉 Congratulations to Bipaasha Paul and Team India!

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Sports

Shikha Pathak Becomes Asia’s First Female Head Referee in Fighting Ju-Jitsu

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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.

Sports

Goa Fight League 2025: A Historic Debut Edition

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The inaugural Goa Fight League (GFL) made a thrilling impact on February 27, 2025, at the MIG Club, Don Bosco Oratory. This groundbreaking event brought together the crème de la crème of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) talent in Goa, setting the stage for a new era in combat sports.

The GFL 2025 featured 18 fierce competitors, all vying for top honors in their respective categories. The event was officiated by a team of experienced experts, including Coach Ronnyy (Raunak Singh), Instructor Ravinder Chand, and Erica J. de Sequeira.

MMA & BJJ No-Gi Highlights

The competition was intense, with several standout performances:

  • Giovanna L. de Sequeira: Dominated the kids’ division, securing multiple Gold medals.
  • Erica J. de Sequeira & Ravinder Chand: Excelled in the Freeweight categories, showcasing their exceptional skills.
  • Uddhav S. Madgaonkar & Francis Fernandes: Claimed MMA Gold in their respective groups, demonstrating their prowess in the cage.

A New Era for Combat Sports in Goa

The Goa Fight League 2025 marked a significant milestone in the development of combat sports in Goa. As the state’s first-ever MMA and BJJ league, it has paved the way for future generations of athletes to hone their skills and compete at the highest levels.

Stay Tuned for the Next Edition!

The success of the inaugural GFL has generated immense excitement and anticipation for the next edition. Fans and athletes alike can look forward to an even more electrifying experience, with new challenges, new champions, and a continued celebration of martial arts excellence in Goa.

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Erica De Sequeira: A Martial Arts Trailblazer

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Erica De Sequeira, a renowned martial artist, has been making waves in the sports world with her impressive skills and determination. Recently, she was honored with the prestigious Orchid Award, a testament to her hard work and dedication.


Receiving the Orchid Award was a surreal experience for Erica. “I’m deeply humbled to receive this award,” she said. “It’s an incredible honor to be recognized for my passion and hard work.”


Erica’s journey in martial arts began at a young age. Growing up, she was fascinated by the world of sports and was encouraged by her parents to explore various disciplines. She found her passion in martial arts, particularly in TIMD, BJJ, and MMA.


Erica’s journey has not been without its challenges. She has faced self-doubt, fear of failure, injuries, and setbacks. However, she has learned to overcome these obstacles through resilience, hard work, and determination.


Erica cites her coach, Mary Kom, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Conor McGregor as her role models and sources of inspiration. “These individuals have taught me valuable lessons about hard work, dedication, and perseverance,” she said.


Erica’s future plans include competing at the international level, establishing a martial arts academy, and collaborating with other athletes and organizations to promote the values of discipline, hard work, and resilience.


Erica is committed to giving back to her community and contributing to the growth of sports in India. She plans to establish a martial arts academy, conduct free training sessions, mentor young athletes, and support local sports initiatives.

Erica prioritizes time management, sets boundaries, and makes time for self-care to maintain a healthy balance between her sports career and personal life.


Erica emphasizes the importance of mental health and practices mindfulness, self-compassion, and self-care to maintain good mental health.


Erica hopes to leave a lasting legacy in the sports world that inspires future generations of athletes and fans. She aspires to be remembered as a trailblazer, role model, and champion.


Erica De Sequeira’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and hard work. Her commitment to martial arts and her community is inspiring, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue to motivate and inspire others for years to come.