Governor of Goa Dr.(Smt) Mridula Sinha today inaugurated 1st National Womens` Masters Athletic Championship held at Bambolim Athletic Stadium. The Championship was organised by Goa Masters Athletic Association in collaboration with the Sports Authority of Goa, Masters Athletic Federation of India.
               Governor lauded the efforts made by organisers to bring the sportswomen together from all over country and make the event come true. She expressed the need to organise Sports activities for women who are involved in the Self Help Groups in the State and explore their talent in the field of Sports too.
                             

               This Championship is first of its kind being held in Asia where in sportswomen from all over India between age group of 35 to 85 yrs have participated. Around 21 States including Goa has participated in the Championship. 
               Minister for PWD and Patron of the Organising Committee Shri. Deepak Pauskar expressed that, the Championship will play crucial role in building up confidence and moral of womanhood.
               MLA and Chairman of Organising Committee of the Championship Smt. Alina Saldanha in her welcome address Congratulated the womenfolk for participating in the event with great enthusiasm.

               Secretary, Masters Athletic Federation of India Shri. David Premnath and founder of the Championship informed that, the Championship is being organise first time in the Asia. The main objective of the Championship to explore the strength and talent of the woman who works in several capacities throughout her life, he added.
               Director, Sports and Youth Affairs Smt. Anjali Sehrawat (IAS), Vice Chairman, Organising Committee of the Championship and President Women Self Help Group of Goa Smt. Sulakshana Sawant, Vice Patron of Organising Committee and Executive Director , Dhempe Group of Industries Smt. Pallavi Dhempe , President, Masters Athletic Federation of India Shri. Dharamveer Dhillon were present on the occasion.

Brass band team comprising of girls from St.Tereza High School Raia, Salcete played brass band on the occasion. Students of Sanjay School, Porvorim and Girls from Mary Immaculate High School, Panjim performed cultural dance and Gymnasium respectively.
Smt. Jenifer Gonsalves compered the event. Smt. Juliana Collaco proposed vote of thanks