Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Shikha Pathak from Vasco, Goa, has been chosen to represent India as an International Technical Official at the renowned Genoa Open JJIF Ranking Grand Prix in Italy, marking a proud moment for Indian martial arts. Her selection highlights the growing presence of Indian technical officials on the global Ju Jitsu stage.
Pathak has built a strong reputation over the years through consistent performances in international refereeing assignments. She holds the distinction of being the first Indian and Asian woman to achieve World B Referee status in the Duo Discipline. She is also recognised as the first Asian female World Referee in Ju Jitsu, an achievement that has inspired athletes and officials across the country.
The experienced official will leave India on February 4 to join a select group of referees appointed by the Ju Jitsu International Federation. The Genoa Open Grand Prix, scheduled for February 7 and 8 at the Palasport arena in Genoa, is one of the key ranking events on the international calendar and is expected to attract leading competitors from several nations.
Ahead of her departure, Pathak described the opportunity as both an honour and a major responsibility. She said that representing India at such a high level brings immense pride and added that her focus would remain on ensuring fairness, technical precision and strict adherence to international standards during the competition.
The Indian Ju Jitsu fraternity has welcomed the announcement with enthusiasm, calling it recognition of her dedication and long service to the sport. Senior members of the community believe that her repeated presence at global events has strengthened India’s credibility in the technical and officiating aspects of Ju Jitsu.
Her appointment is also being viewed as a sign of the increasing acceptance of Indian referees in world combat sports. With more officials from the country being entrusted with important roles at international tournaments, the selection is seen as another step toward greater visibility for India in the global arena.
Based in Goa, Pathak continues to contribute actively to the development of Ju Jitsu at home. Alongside her international duties, she remains committed to improving technical standards within India and encouraging more women to take up officiating roles in the sport.
