CANACONA
Senior citizens Vishwanath Shetye and Bharati Gaonkar emerged winners in the men’s and women’s senior categories, respectively at the inaugural 5-km Gandhi–Shastri Run 2026, organised by DPM’s Shree Mallikarjun and Shri Chetan Manju Desai College, Canacona, on Sunday.
In the senior men’s category, Shetye finished first, ahead of Banudas Gaonkar and Jagdish Dhuri, who secured the second and third positions, respectively. In the senior women’s category, Gaonkar finished first, followed by Laxmi Priolkar and Ulka Fal Desai.
Suraj Velip won the men’s open category, while Babu Gaonkar and Hari Velip finished second and third, respectively.
In the open girls’ category, Dhriti Madaikar finished first, followed by Preshila Deikar and Shreja Naik. Disha Velip won the college girls’ category, with Pradnya Gosavi and Neha Velip finishing second and third. In the college men’s category, Sushant Gaonkar finished first, followed by Naryananda Giri and Vishal Velip.
The 5-km run began at the KTC bus stand in Chaudi and concluded at Shree Mallikarjun Temple in Shristhal. Imperial Hospital, Fatorda, through Dr Milind Desai, and the Community Health Centre, Canacona, provided medical support throughout the event. Shree Mallikarjun Vidyalaya provided transportation support, while Shree Mallikarjun Temple made its premises available for the prize distribution ceremony.
The Gandhi–Shastri Run 2026 brought together nearly 600 participants and was held as a celebration of fitness, unity, sportsmanship and community participation.
