MAPUSA, Goa: MES Vasant Joshi College of Arts and Commerce, Zuarinagar continued its dominance in university taekwondo by winning the Goa University Inter Collegiate Men’s Taekwondo Championship 2026–27 for the fourth consecutive year.
The two day championship, held on August 18 and 19 at the SAG Multipurpose Indoor Stadium, Peddem, witnessed strong competition from colleges across Goa. MES emerged as the overall champions after a series of outstanding performances across multiple weight categories, reinforcing its position as one of the state’s leading collegiate taekwondo teams.
Don Bosco College, Panjim finished as runners up, while Government College of Commerce and Economics, Borda, Margao secured third place in the overall standings.
Adding to MES’s successful campaign, Sanjay Rathod was honoured with the Best Taekwondo Player award for his exceptional performance during the championship.
MES athletes dominate weight categories
MES athletes collected several gold medals, with Prakash Rathod winning the 54 kg and 58 kg categories. Pranit Manerekar claimed gold in the 63 kg division, while Anil Goundar topped the 68 kg category. Nakul Narvekar won the 87 kg event, and Ayaan Ladkhan secured gold in the above 87 kg division.
Other notable champions included Rajvir Yadav of Don Bosco College, Panjim in the 74 kg category, and Mohammad Huzaifa of Government College, Borda in the 80 kg division.
The medal presentation ceremony was attended by Dr. Sagar Palaconda, Director of Physical Education and Sports at Goa College of Agriculture, along with taekwondo coach Theophile Lowe and Balachandra B. Jadar, Assistant Director of Physical Education and Sports, Goa University, who presented trophies and medals to the winners.
