In a celebratory sporting event held as part of the ongoing Seva Pakhwada, 10 national medal winners in Para Sports; were felicitated by Minister for Tourism, Rohan A. Khaunte. The event marked a significant occasion in recognising the extraordinary achievements of para-athletes who have overcome physical limitations to excel on the national stage.
Seva Pakhwada co-ordinator Premanand Mahambare; BJP Mahila Morcha president Aarti Bandodkar, ZP Member Anita Thorat, BJP OBC Morcha President Girish Uskaikar, and Porvorim BJP Mandal President Kishor Asnodkar were also present.
Khaunte expressed his admiration for the winners and praised their remarkable achievements, stating: “Over the last 12 days, we have observed Seva Pakhwada with various programmes celebrating the spirit of service to mankind, which is the greatest of all services. Today, we are gathered to celebrate the unparalleled achievements of our Para Sports National Medal winners. Your perseverance, resilience, and determination serve as a beacon of inspiration to all. You have demonstrated that physical limitations do not define potential. With hard work and passion, anything is possible.”
He further highlighted the role of parents and teachers, adding “The selfless love, guidance, and encouragement of your parents and teachers played a major role in shaping you into the champions you are today. We recognise the challenges you’ve overcome, and your stories will motivate us to create a more inclusive and accessible society.”
The Minister concluded his speech by encouraging the winners to continue pushing boundaries and inspiring future generations, saying “You have embodied the spirit of excellence and the values of our nation. Work hard with full determination, and never be discouraged by failure, as it is the first step towards success.”
By acknowledging their resilience and triumphs, the Seva Pakhwada reinforced the message that with determination and support, individuals can overcome challenges and make significant contributions to society. As Goa continues to promote inclusive growth in sports and other fields, this event stands as a testament to the state’s commitment to fostering talent and inspiring future generations to strive for excellence, regardless of the obstacles they face, stated a press release.
Following para-athletes were felicitated: Lloyd Fernandes (Table Tennis), Patrick D’Souza (Table Tennis), Anupa Pilgaonkar (Table Tennis), Chetan Salgaonkar (Table Tennis), Moises Rodrigues (Boccia), Sakshi Kale (Athletics), Manguesh Kuttikar (Swimming & Archery),
Gopal Vishnu Kunkalekar (Badminton), Mahesh Pagadala (Athletics), Muskan (Athletics).
