Team Herald
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PANJIM: The National Judo Black Belt Camp and NDIC Examination (West Zone) concluded at the Peddem Sports Complex, Mapusa.
Earlier, the inauguration ceremony was graced by Dr Ajay Gaude, executive director of Sports Authority of Goa as the chief guest. Also present were several senior coaches and dignitaries, including Jiwan Sharma (Dronacharya Awardee), Shailesh Tilak, Satish Pahade, Virender Vashist and Rajan CS.
A total of 110 participants from across India had reported for the camp, which aimed to upgrade technical knowledge and assess performance standards of judokas under expert supervision.
Addressing the gathering, Gaude lauded the discipline and character that judo in stills in athletes, calling it “one of the most disciplined sports” he personally admires.
He urged Goan judokas to strive harder and compete with the best talent in the country. Gaude also shared insights about the upcoming Khelo Goa Scheme, aimed at further strengthening the State’s sporting ecosystem.
Jiwan Sharma, in his address, spoke about judo’s global popularity, noting that the sport has been part of the Olympic Games since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He highlighted India’s growing presence on the world stage, making special mention of Linthoi Chanambam, the first Indian judoka to win a bronze medal at the world level – a historic milestone for the country.
The function was compered by Leena Porob. Girish Pednekar, president of the Goa Judo Association, welcomed the gathering, while Kripesh Vengurlekar, general secretary, proposed a vote of thanks.
