VASCO
Shikha Pathak, a seasoned Ju-Jitsu technical official from Vasco, has been selected to represent India as an International Technical Official (ITO) at the prestigious Genoa Open JJIF Ranking Grand Prix to be held in Italy. Her selection marks a significant moment for Indian martial arts, particularly for technical officials making their mark on the global stage.
Pathak, who has steadily risen through the international refereeing ranks, is the first Indian and Asian woman to attain World B Referee status in the Duo Discipline. She is also recognised as the first Asian female World Referee in Ju-Jitsu, a distinction that has brought pride to the Indian Ju-Jitsu fraternity and inspired a new generation of officials and athletes.
She is scheduled to depart from India on February 4 to join an elite panel of international referees appointed by the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF). The Genoa Open Grand Prix, a key ranking event on the JJIF calendar, will be held from February 7 to 8, at the Palasport in Genoa, and is expected to feature top competitors from across the world.
Speaking ahead of her departure, Pathak said that officiating at such a high-level international event was both an honour and a responsibility. She noted that representing the country on a global platform brings immense pride, and added that her priority would be to ensure fair play, technical accuracy and adherence to the standards laid down by the JJIF.
Pathak’s selection is also seen as a reflection of the growing acceptance and visibility of Indian referees in international combat sports. With Indian athletes and officials increasingly being trusted with responsibilities at world-level competitions, her appointment at the Genoa Open Grand Prix is being viewed as another step forward for Indian Ju-Jitsu on the international circuit.
Based in Vasco, Goa, Shikha Pathak continues to balance her role as an international official with efforts to promote and develop Ju-Jitsu standards within the country, particularly encouraging greater participation of women in technical and officiating roles.
