PANAJI
Rajya Sabha MP, Sadanand Shet Tanavade was elected unopposed as the new President of Goa Olympic Association (GOA). Tanavade's entire executive committee comprising of 13 members were elected unopposed for the term 2026-2030.
Tanavade has pledged to strengthen the sports bodies, improve facilities for athletes and nurture new talent, with a focus on preparing Goan players for the National Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and Olympic Games besides constructing the ‘Olympic Bhavan’.
He replaces Union Minister Shripad Naik, who has been GOA president since 2012. It was under his leadership that Goa hosted the Lusofonia Games 2014 and National Games 2023. At 73 years of age, Naik was ineligible to contest as per the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.
The nominations of Tanavade, who represents the Goa Judo Association, along with 12 were found to be valid by returning officer Vithal Naik. Elections were not needed during the general body meeting held on August 25.
Sandeep Heble, former secretary of the Goa Badminton Association, is the new secretary general. He replaces the long-serving Gurudutta Bhakta who had been associated with Goa Olympic Association for 24 years.
Goa Football Association (GFA) president Caitano Fernandes is among the four vice presidents. He is joined by Sudesh Thakur (Goa Gymnastics Association), Sandhya Paliekar (Modern Penthatlon Association of Goa), and Bhageshri Padloskar (Rifle Shooting Association).
Only two members from the previous committee – Jayesh Naik and Sudesh Thakur – find place in the new panel. Jayesh will continue as treasurer.
GOA Executive Committee:
President: Sadanand Shet Tanavade (Judo)
Vice Presidents: Caitano Fernandes (Football), Sudesh Thakur (Gymnastics), Sandhya Paliekar (Modern pentathlon), Bhageshri Padloskar (Rifle Shooting)
Secretary General: Sandeep Heble (Basketball)
Treasurer: Jayesh Naik (Weightlifting)
Joint Secretary: Manoj Patil (Badminton)
Executive Members: Rukmini Kamat (Kabaddi), Navin Pai Raikar (Taekwondo), Abhay Bhamaikar (Hockey), Viplava Bhakta (Equestrian) and Akhil Parrikar (Athletics)
