Sports

Rajashree Pednekar Creates History at Inter-College Powerlifting Championship


Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

Panaji/Taleigao, January 2026: Rajashree Pednekar, a final-year MCom student of DCTโ€™s Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College, delivered a historic performance at the Inter-College Powerlifting Championship 2025โ€“26, organised by Goa University at its Silver Jubilee Hall, Taleigao, from January 14 to 16, 2026.



Competing in the 57 kg weight category, Rajashree not only secured the gold medal but also set a new championship record by lifting a combined total of 307 kg across the three powerlifting disciplines โ€” Squats, Bench Press and Deadlift.

Her exceptional performance continued to shine on the final day of the championship, where she was declared the โ€˜Strongest Woman of Goa Universityโ€™, emerging on top among 98 participants representing various colleges across Goa and competing in eight different weight categories.

The achievement was lauded by the Principal of S. S. Dempo College, Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kamat, who congratulated and felicitated Rajashree for her remarkable feat. He assured her of the institutionโ€™s full support in pursuing excellence in both academics and sports.

Rajashreeโ€™s success stands as a proud moment for S. S. Dempo College and serves as an inspiration for young sportspersons across the state.

EduConnect

St Xavierโ€™s College, Mapusa Crowned Champions of Goa University Inter-Collegiate Best Physique Championships 2025โ€“26


St Xavierโ€™s College, Mapusa, delivered a commanding performance to emerge overall champions at the Goa University Inter-Collegiate Best Physique (Men) Championships 2025โ€“26, organised by Goa University at Jubilee Hall, Taleigao.

V M Salgaocar College of Law, Miramar, secured the runners-up position, while P G Goa University finished third in the overall standings.

The coveted โ€˜Goa University Shreeโ€™ 2025โ€“26 title was clinched by Guruprasad Ghadi of Dhempe College of Arts & Science, Miramar, following an impressive display across weight categories that stood out among competitors from colleges across the State.

The presentation ceremony was graced by Dr Sandesh Dessai, Librarian, Goa University, as the chief guest, along with Balachandra B Jadar, Assistant Director of Physical Education and Sports, Goa University, who presented trophies and medals to the winners.

Category-wise Results:

  • Up to 60 kg:
    Gold โ€“ Ashwet Pilankar (Goa College of Engineering)
    Silver โ€“ Saiesh Chopdekar (S S Dempo College, Cujira)
    Bronze โ€“ Prathamesh Gaonkar (Shree Rayeshwar Institute, Shiroda)
  • Up to 65 kg:
    Gold โ€“ Guruprasad Ghadi (Dhempe College, Miramar)
    Silver โ€“ Sameer Saingh (MES College, Zuarinagar)
    Bronze โ€“ Brendon Sawant (St Xavierโ€™s College, Mapusa)
  • Up to 70 kg:
    Gold โ€“ Anurag Parab (St Xavierโ€™s College, Mapusa)
    Silver โ€“ Shalil Arolkar (St Xavierโ€™s College, Mapusa)
    Bronze โ€“ Adil Bepari (S S Dempo College, Cujira)
  • Up to 75 kg:
    Gold โ€“ Mrunal Desai (P C C E College, Verna)
    Silver โ€“ Harshad Dhami (S S Dempo College, Cujira)
    Bronze โ€“ Rohit Gop (P G Goa University)
  • Up to 85 kg:
    Gold โ€“ Sanjeev Revodkar (P G Goa University)
    Silver โ€“ Vanshvardhan Mandrekar (V M Salgaocar College of Law)
    Bronze โ€“ Malcom Antao (Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda)
  • Above 85 kg:
    Gold โ€“ Marc Souza (V M Salgaocar College of Law)
    Silver โ€“ Britt Vales (Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda)
    Bronze โ€“ Rudraksha Kole (D Mโ€™s College, Assagao)

The championship highlighted the growing standard of fitness, discipline, and competitive bodybuilding across Goaโ€™s colleges, reinforcing the importance of university-level sports in nurturing talent.

Sports

Double Victory: Canacona College Secures Menโ€™s & Womenโ€™s Titles at Goa University Cross Country Championship 2025-26


Taleigao witnessed a thrilling display of endurance and determination at the Goa University Cross Country Championship 2025-26, where Shree Mallikarjun & Shri Chetan Manju Desai College, Canacona, achieved a historic double victory by winning both the Menโ€™s and Womenโ€™s titles.

In the Menโ€™s category, Canacona dominated the competition with a total of 26 points, leaving Quepem (55 points) and Pernem (63 points) trailing behind. Their consistent performance ensured top finishes across the lineup.

The Womenโ€™s team of Canacona matched the feat with equal brilliance, securing the title with 31 points. Navelim (41 points) and Quepem (44 points) put up strong performances but could not surpass Canaconaโ€™s depth and stamina.

This twin triumph underlines Canacona Collegeโ€™s excellence in athletics and their ability to nurture sporting talent. It also reflects the rising competitive spirit among student-athletes in Goa, as university-level sports continue to inspire and strengthen the next generation of champions.

The event, hosted in Taleigao, once again highlighted the significance of cross country as a test of endurance, teamwork, and mental strengthโ€”qualities that the Canacona teams showcased in abundance.

๐Ÿ‘ With this double triumph, Canacona College has set a new benchmark in Goa Universityโ€™s sporting history.