Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Government College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Quepem, and Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts & Science, Margao, were declared joint champions of the Goa University Inter Collegiate Powerlifting Men’s Championship 2025–26. The event was held at Silver Jubilee Hall on the Goa University campus, with Padre Conceicao College of Engineering, Verna, securing third place.
Arif Karadi of Fr. Agnel College of Arts & Commerce, Pilar, earned the ‘Strongest Man’ title for his impressive overall performance. The championship featured intense competition across multiple weight categories, showcasing the strength, technique, and discipline of young powerlifters from across Goa.
The awards ceremony was graced by Dr. Manoj Hede, College Director of Physical Education and Sports, Govind Ramnath Kare College of Law, Margao, and Balachandra B. Jadar, Assistant Director of Physical Education and Sports at Goa University, who presented trophies to the winners.
Notable performances included Jesus Joseph of G.C. Quepem, who topped the up to 59 kg category, while Arif Karadi dominated the 66 kg division with a total lift of 520 kg. In the 74 kg category, Devesh Gaonkar of G.C. Quepem lifted a total of 525 kg, closely followed by Rohit Gop of P.G. Goa University.
The 83 kg category saw Risbern Fernandes from P.C.C.E, Verna, achieve a combined lift of 577.5 kg, while Marc Souza of V.M. Salgaocar Law led the 93 kg division with 580 kg. Pushpraj Naik of P. Chowgule College and Melysunn Reevs of the same institution set top totals in the 120 kg and above 120 kg categories, respectively, demonstrating exceptional strength and endurance.
The championship highlighted the growing standard of men’s powerlifting in Goa, providing a platform for student-athletes to compete at a high level and set new benchmarks. The event also reaffirmed Goa University’s commitment to promoting sports, fitness, and competitive opportunities among young men across academic institutions in the state.
