Porvorim; May 4, 2026: The Porvorim Women’s Sports Fest 2026 was held with great enthusiasm and vibrant community participation, bringing together women from across Salvador do Mundo, Socorro, and Penha de França panchayats in a spirited celebration of sports and unity. The initiative, curated under Porvorim Rising by Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Information Technology, Electronics & Communications and Printing & Stationery, Government of Goa and MLA, Porvorim Constituency, Rohan A. Khaunte stood as a meaningful platform for women’s empowerment, encouraging participation, building confidence, and creating opportunities for women to actively engage in sports and community life.
The event witnessed participation from over 1,300 women across age groups including 18–30, 30–50, 51–70, and 71 years & above. A wide range of competitions such as walk race, lemon & spoon, sack race, musical chairs, relay races, tug of war and other recreational games were organised, with participants displaying remarkable enthusiasm, discipline, and sporting spirit throughout the day.
The programme was attended by Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Information Technology, Electronics & Communications and Printing & Stationery, Government of Goa and MLA, Porvorim Constituency, Rohan A. Khaunte along with ZP Members Shri Sandip Salgaonkar, Shri Amit Asnodkar, and Shri Mahesh Govekar, along with Penha de França Sarpanch Shri Swapnil Chodankar, former ZP Member Shri Gupesh Naik, and panch members from all three panchayats, reflecting strong grassroots participation and support.
Adding a special and joyful moment to the event, four participants celebrated their birthdays during the fest, marked with a cake-cutting ceremony in the presence of fellow participants, creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere.
A key highlight of the fest was the felicitation of women sportspersons who have brought laurels at the national level. The achievements of Smt. Ana Julieta M. Abraham (Hammer Throw); Smt. Sanjana Prabhugaonkar; Smt. Pooja Kalel (Cricket); Smt. Gilu Fernandes (Football); Smt. Disha Mandrekar (Hockey); Smt. Tanvi Dyaneshwar Naik (Softball); Smt. Tanishka Ashok Chavan (Boxing); Smt. Priti Babu Chavan (Boxing); Smt. Sonam Mashelkar (Cricket); and Smt. Shrisha Jambula were recognised, inspiring participants and highlighting the growing presence of women in competitive sports.
Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Information Technology, Electronics & Communications and Printing & Stationery, Government of Goa and MLA, Porvorim Constituency, stated, “The Porvorim Women’s Sports Fest was a wonderful expression of Nari Shakti, where women whether homemakers, entrepreneurs or professionals came forward and showcased their sporting talent with great energy. The scale of participation across all age groups was truly encouraging and reflected a strong community spirit. It was inspiring to see women step forward with confidence, take part wholeheartedly, and be part of an initiative that brings people together while promoting fitness and active living.”
The event also featured five lucky draws, adding excitement and appreciation for participants. Notably, physical education teachers from across Goa extended generous support in conducting and coordinating the various competitions, contributing significantly to the smooth execution of the fest.
Overall, the Porvorim Women’s Sports Fest 2026 stood as a meaningful initiative towards women’s empowerment, fostering confidence, participation, and a sense of togetherness through sports.
