PANAJI
Goa's women athletes made a sparkling start to the 3rd National Women Masters Athletics Championship 2026, clinching 20 gold medals on the opening day of competition at the Athletics Stadium in Cujira, Santa Cruz, on Saturday.
Competing against nearly 600 athletes from across the country, the hosts delivered several standout performances, led by former volleyball player Betty D'Silva, who bagged three gold medals in the 60+ category. D'Silva dominated the discus throw, triple jump and high jump events to emerge as one of Goa's most successful athletes of the day.
Another remarkable performer was Maria Imelda de Sousa, the oldest competitor at the championship. The 91-year-old from Mapusa, who will celebrate her 92nd birthday in December, claimed gold medals in the 90+ category in both the 100m sprint and shot put.
Goa also celebrated multiple gold medal winners in Melida Pereira (75+), who triumphed in the 100m and 400m events, Ritinha Pereira (65+), who secured victories in the high jump and triple jump, and Devi Gaonkar (50+), who topped the podium in discus throw and shot put.
Perpetua Jacques added to Goa's medal haul by winning gold in the 80+ 100m race, while Sonali Mankoti (30+), Lavina Lobo (45+), Amita K. Dessai (40+), Soniya J. Parab (40+), Navashree Nayak (45+), Alzira Lacerda (45+) and Ana Julieta Fernandes Abraham (75+) also struck gold in their respective events.
The championship was formally inaugurated by Goa Legislative Assembly Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar in the presence of Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo and Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs Director Ajay Gaude.
The championship has attracted athletes from across India, with competitors participating in various age categories. While 94-year-old Pani Devi of Rajasthan had registered for the 100m, shot put and discus throw events, she was unable to travel to Goa. The 80-85 years category features 11 athletes, including Goa's Perpetua Jacques.
Goa's athletes also secured several silver and bronze medals, underlining the state's strong presence at the national masters championship.
