GAA looks to boost athletics in state

Panaji: The Goa Athletics Association (GAA) is expecting increased participation in the Padma Bhushan Manohar Parrikar Memorial 56th Goa State Athletics Championship 2025 after conducting special drives in government departments across the state.The GAA has lined up 190 events during the championship with competitions in several age-group categories. The championship will be held at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim, from August 7-9.“The potential of Goan athletes will be explored during the championship,” said GAA president Narendra Sawaikar, who announced the championship in the city on Thursday. “Every year, we get good response. This time we expect it to be even better.”The age categories of U-8, U-10 and U-12 for boys and girls will be held on the first day of the event. Then the spotlight will shift to the U-14, U-16, U-18 and U-20 age categories, as well as the open categories for men and women.Athletes will compete in a full range of track and field events including sprints, middle and long-distance races, hurdles, steeplechase, relays, jumps, throws, combined events, and race walks. Events such as the 60m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, and 10000m will test speed and endurance, while hurdle races and the 3000m steeplechase will challenge technique and agility.“The association will also conduct the selection process during this time and support promising athletes in the future,” said Sawaikar.Field events like long jump, high jump, triple jump, shot put, discus throw, javelin throw, and hammer throw will highlight the athletes’ strength and skill. Relay races and mixed relays will foster team spirit, while triathlon (U-14) and pentathlon (U-16) events will provide a glimpse into the all-round athletic performance. All competitions will be conducted in accordance with the rules of the Athletics Federation of India and World Athletics. Participation in the championship is open to schools, colleges, clubs, government departments, and individual athletes from across the state.The GAA will continue using the timing, scoring and results (TSR) system approved by the Athletics Federation of India.Entries will commence from Friday and can be done online through the GAA website (www.goaathletics.com). The last date for submission of entries is July 27. More details can be obtained from Patrick Soares (9422593714), PD Sashi Kumar (9890361261), Desiree Pereira (9637879553/8329237048) and Sonali Shetyekar (7030884036).