MAPUSA
The 'North Goa District Athletics Championship 2026', organized by the North Goa District Athletics Association affiliated with the Goa Athletics Association, was inaugurated at the Peddem Sports Complex in Mapusa, on Friday.
Eminent industrialist, former President of the North Goa District Athletics Association, and former Vice President of the Goa Athletics Association, Dr. Gurudas Bhalchandra Natekar, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Dr. Natekar was also associated with the Lusofonia Games 2014. While addressing the athletes on the field, he urged them to uphold consistency, hard work, and a high spirit of sportsmanship in sports.
Present on the dais for the inaugural ceremony were Hubert D'Costa, President of the North Goa District Athletics Association; Pratap Volvoikar, Secretary of the North Goa District Athletics Association; Sharendra Naik, Secretary of the Goa Athletics Association; Sripad Kundaikar, former founder member of the North Goa District Athletics Association, founder President of the Physical Education Teachers Association, and former Vice President of the Goa Athletics Association; and Vrunda Vernekar, Kerkar Awardee and former Assistant Director of Coaching; along with other office-bearers of the association, coaches, and dignitaries.
The track and field events commenced at 8:30 AM, followed by the official opening ceremony at 10:00 AM. A large number of athletes from various schools, colleges, and sports institutions across North Goa district participated, demonstrating an enthusiastic response. Sports enthusiasts and parents attended in large numbers to cheer on the athletes.
