Goan Athletes Crowned Team Champions at 3rd National Women Masters Athletics Championship 2026

SANTA CRUZ, GOA: Maintaining their incredible momentum through the concluding day, Goan athletes officially emerged as the overall team champions at the 3rd National Women Masters Athletics Championship 2026. The prestigious national event, organized by the Goa Masters Athletic Association, concluded on Sunday at the Athletics Stadium in Cujira, Santa Cruz.

Medal Tally: Goa Outpaces Rival States

The host state delivered a dominant performance, securing a grand total of 74 medals—comprising 29 gold, 25 silver, and 20 bronze medals.

This outstanding tally allowed Goa to surpass a highly competitive Maharashtra contingent, which finished in second place. Despite Tamil Nadu securing a higher total medal count, Maharashtra’s superior gold medal haul secured their runner-up position in the final standings.

Top Three State Standings:

• 1st Place: Goa (74 Total: 29 Gold, 25 Silver, 20 Bronze)

• 2nd Place: Maharashtra (53 Total: 27 Gold, 14 Silver, 12 Bronze)

• 3rd Place: Tamil Nadu (66 Total Medals)

Individual Brilliance Accelerates Goa’s Surge

Goa’s dominant rise to the top of the leaderboard was heavily fueled by four exceptional athletes who swept gold medals across all three of their respective individual categories:

• Betty Sebastian D’Silva (60+): Set the tone on the opening day by clinching three gold medals.

• Devi Gaonkar (50+): Put on a powerhouse throwing display, winning gold in the discus throw, javelin throw, and shot put.

• Melida Pereira (75+): Swept her track events, claiming gold in the 100m, 200m, and 400m runs.

• Maria Imelda de Sousa (90+): The championship’s oldest participant proved unstoppable, securing gold in the shot put, 100m, and javelin throw.

Former footballer Ritinha Pereira also made a significant contribution to the hosts’ tally, winning three individual medals. She leaped to gold in the high jump and triple jump, though she narrowly missed a coveted hat-trick of golds after settling for a silver in the long jump.

National Individual Champions

In recognition of their spectacular and versatile performances across various age groups, the following athletes from across the country were officially adjudged individual champions: