Sports

Yog Seva Mangal Pratishthan Excels at Yogasana State Championship – Wins 13 Medals for Goa


The Yogasana State Championship 2025, organized by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, witnessed an inspiring display of talent, discipline, and teamwork from Yog Seva Mangal Pratishthan, as their athletes secured a total of 13 medals — 4 Gold, 7 Silver, and 2 Bronze — across multiple Yogasana events. The championship was held on 29th October 2025 at the Campal Indoor Stadium, Goa, and brought together some of the state’s finest young yogis.

Under the expert guidance of Mr. Vishal Gawas, Yoga Trainer at Yog Seva Mangal Pratishthan, the team achieved remarkable success in various Yogasana categories, including Group Yogasana, Rhythmic Yogasana, and Artistic Yogasana. His scientific approach to training, emphasis on discipline, and motivation helped the students deliver top performances.

Among the standout performers was Arif Khan, who won two Gold medals in Artistic and Individual Yogasana, and Yash Shirodkar, who claimed a Gold, a Silver, and a Bronze medal across different events. Sharada Bandekar secured a Gold medal in Rhythmic Yogasana, while Ganesh Ramadurg earned two Silver and one Bronze medal. Other medal winners included Khushi Pal, Shaunak Barazankar, Tanmay, and Aarya, each contributing to the team’s outstanding tally.

The athletes’ success not only reflects their own hard work but also highlights the strong foundation of yoga education and mentorship provided by Yog Seva Mangal Pratishthan. The institution continues to play a vital role in nurturing young talent and promoting Yogasana as a sport that strengthens both body and mind.

President Shri Balkrishna Naik, along with other Executive Committee members of Yog Seva Mangal Pratishthan, congratulated the students and expressed immense pride in their achievements. They commended the dedication of the young athletes and the tireless efforts of Mr. Vishal Gawas in uplifting the standard of yoga in Goa.

This stellar performance stands as a testament to what can be achieved through perseverance, guidance, and passion — and marks yet another milestone for Yog Seva Mangal Pratishthan in its mission to promote Yogasana excellence across the state.

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Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd. (IPSCDL) Celebrates International Yoga Day with a Renewed Focus on Wellness and Mindfulness


Senior Leadership, Staff, and Wellness Experts Come Together in a Unified Display of Holistic Well-being

Panaji, June 21, 2025 – On the occasion of the 11th International Day of Yoga, Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd. (IPSCDL) hosted a dedicated yoga session at its headquarters in Panaji, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to holistic health, mindfulness, and workplace wellness.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from across the organization, led by Managing Director & CEO Mr. Sandip Jacques, IAS, and Mr. Brijesh Manerkar, Director of Municipal Administration. Staff members from various departments came together in a serene and focused environment to collectively embrace the ancient Indian practice of yoga.


🌿 Guided by Expertise, Grounded in Tradition

The session was conducted by Ms. Sheela Kankonkar, the Principal Yoga Teacher from Patanjali Yoga Samiti, known for her deep understanding and decades of teaching experience in yogic practices.

The 60-minute session included:

  • Breathing Techniques (Pranayama) to promote respiratory health and mental clarity
  • Stretching and Foundational Asanas for posture and flexibility
  • Mindfulness Practices and Meditation to support emotional well-being and focus

The session focused on balance—both physical and mental—reaffirming the role of yoga in today’s fast-paced professional and urban lifestyle.


🗣️ Leadership Speaks on Wellness & Smart Cities

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sandip Jacques, IAS, emphasized the importance of integrating well-being into urban development and workplace culture:

“As an organization leading the transformation of Panaji into a Smart City, we must remember that smartness begins with our people. Yoga provides us with the tools to stay centered, healthy, and resilient as we shape the future of urban India.”

Mr. Brijesh Manerkar echoed these sentiments, highlighting that wellness is not an option, but a necessity for productivity and innovation, especially in roles focused on urban governance and planning.


🏙️ Smart City, Mindful Citizens

The event underlined IPSCDL’s broader commitment to not only build intelligent infrastructure but also promote human-centric urban design—where health, sustainability, and community are integral to the city’s DNA.

The Yoga Day celebration aligns with Panaji’s evolving identity as a city that balances heritage with forward-thinking development, and infrastructure with wellness.