Tiswadi Clinches Overall Title at 9th State Level Tribal Sports Festival

Team Goemkarponn

PANAJI: Tiswadi Taluka emerged as the overall champion at the 9th State Level Tribal Sports Festival 2025–26, securing the top position with 120 points. The three day festival was held from January 9 to 11, 2026, at Adarsh Khel Gram in Amone, Canacona, bringing together tribal athletes from all talukas of Goa in a vibrant celebration of sport and community spirit.

The festival featured competitions across multiple disciplines, including kabaddi, kho kho, volleyball and tennis ball cricket, with strong participation from both men and women teams. In kabaddi, Quepem dominated the men’s category, followed by Tiswadi and Ponda, while the women’s title also went to Quepem, ahead of Pernem and Salcete. Individual honours in kabaddi were led by standout performers from Quepem in both men’s and women’s sections.

Kho kho witnessed intense competition, with Sanguem claiming the men’s title, while Canacona emerged champions in the women’s category. Players from Sanguem and Canacona also bagged key individual awards for defensive and attacking performances.

In volleyball, Tiswadi secured first place in the men’s category, followed by Canacona and Quepem. The women’s volleyball title was won by Sanguem, with Tiswadi finishing second. Several players were recognised for excellence in smashing and lifting across both categories.

Tiswadi further strengthened its overall standing by winning the men’s tennis ball cricket competition, while Bicholim took top honours in the women’s category. Individual cricket awards went to players from Quepem, Tiswadi and Bicholim for batting and bowling performances.

All first place teams were awarded cash prizes of Rs 25,000, second place teams received Rs 15,000 and third place teams were given Rs 10,000 each, along with trophies and certificates.

The closing ceremony was held on January 11 at 4 pm, with trophies and prizes presented by distinguished guests including former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, Goa Football Development Council Vice President Dhaku Madkaikar and Director of Sports Ajay Gaude.

The festival concluded on a high note, celebrating sporting excellence, unity and the active participation of all taluka teams, reinforcing the role of sports in empowering tribal communities across Goa.