SHASHWAT GUPTA RAY
While most sportspersons pursue and excel in a single discipline, Blessica Rodrigues of Don Bosco College, Panjim, has distinguished herself across multiple sports, including football, cricket, badminton, hockey and athletics. She represented Goa University at the Khelo India University Games 2025 in women’s foot ball, secured third place at the West Zone In ter-University Women’s Football Championship, participated in the All India Inter-University Women’s Football Cham pionship, and actively represented her college in seven inter-collegiate events (see box). In recognition of her outstanding achieve ments, Rodrigues was recently honoured as the Goa University Best Sportswoman for the 2025–26 academic year. She also received the inau gural Late Dr Jayesh Churi Memorial Best Sports woman Cash Award. “This recognition means a great deal to me, and I am incredibly grateful to God, my family and Don Bosco Col lege for their unwavering support throughout my journey. I would also like to extend a special thank you to my coach, Ryan Pereira sir, whose mentorship and motivation, par ticularly regarding my physical fitness and performance from my first to my third year, have been instrumental in my success,” Rodrigues told O Heraldo. “During my time at the university, I have had the privi lege of competing in several disciplines. I have also had the honour of representing Goa University at the All India level in Tamil Nadu and qualifying for the All India University Games,” she said. Asked how she manages to play so many different sports simultaneously, Rodrigues said she enjoys participating in a variety of disciplines and is always ready to learn and take up new challenges. “Fortunately, the schedules for the different sports I play do not clash, as the college schedules practice sessions on different days, allowing me to manage my commitments ef fectively. Being naturally athletic and energetic, I am able to learn new skills quickly,” she said. Despite her demanding sporting schedule, Rodrigues has managed to strike a balance with her academics. “I focus on understanding the material thoroughly and preparing efficiently before examinations to ensure I main tain my academic performance,” the promising athlete said. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a Bachelor of Physi cal Education to further her studies. “I intend to continue competing while working towards a career in physical education and coaching,” Rodrigues added
