Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Bandora Judo Championship 2026 was successfully organised by Bandora Judo Club in association with Madhavrao Dhavlikar Charitable Trust at Nageshi Temple Complex on April 4, drawing enthusiastic participation from across the state.
The championship featured competitions in several divisions including Sub Junior, Cadets for boys and girls, and Senior categories for men and women. The event witnessed the participation of more than 250 athletes representing different clubs and training centres from across Goa, making it one of the largest judo gatherings in the region this year.
The tournament was inaugurated by Mithil Dhavlikar, who attended as the chief guest. During the inauguration, he encouraged the athletes and emphasised the importance of discipline, determination and dedication in martial arts such as judo.
After a series of competitive bouts across various weight and age categories, Jaya Dojo Club emerged as the overall champions of the championship. Warriors Training Center secured the runners up position, while the host team Bandora Judo Club finished third overall.
Several young judokas impressed with their performances and were honoured as the best players of the tournament in their respective categories. Purti Lotlikar was declared the best player in the Under 17 girls category, while Arya Kadam earned the top honour in the senior women division. Devraj Lamani was recognised as the best player in the senior men category.
In the junior sections, Adhiraj Bandodkar was named best player in the Under 17 boys division, while Swasti Yadav and Aryan Singh received the awards in the Under 15 girls and boys categories respectively.
Speaking after the event, Reshma Kankonkar, president of Bandora Judo Club, and Allaudin Sandi, secretary of the club, stated that the initiative aims to promote judo across Goa and provide young athletes with opportunities to develop their skills. They also expressed hope that such platforms will help nurture talented players capable of representing the state and the country in future competitions.
The championship concluded on a high note, highlighting the growing popularity of judo in Goa and showcasing several promising young athletes.
