Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s athletes performed admirably in the just-concluded 38th National Games at Uttarakhand.
The 302-member contingent won 14 gold, 15 silver and 17 bronze medals to finish 12th in the medals tally.
It was an improvement from their showing in the previous National Games held at Goa, where they had finished 16th with 10 gold 18 silver and 30 bronze medals.
Though the total number of medals won at the Goa Games was more, the gold haul this time was higher (14 compared to 10), which helped them to a better finish in the final standings.
Congratulating the Odisha contingent, state Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj announced cash prizes of Rs 6 lakh for every gold-medallist, Rs 4 lakh each for silver-medallists and Rs 3 lakh for bronze winners.
“This year, Odisha has made a mark in National Games, securing a place among the top 15 states. Winning 46 medals, including 14 gold, is a significant achievement. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the athletes. In recognition of their achievements we will felicitate them with cash awards. We are committed to supporting our sportspersons and will continue to support and nurture the sporting talent to shine on national and global stages,” Suraj said.
Sprinter Animesh Kujur was the standout performer, claiming three gold medals. Gymnast Rakesh Patra won two gold, gymnast Pranati Nayak bagged a gold, a silver and two bronze, while cyclist Swasti Singh won a gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals.
ODISHA’S GOLD-MEDALLISTS AT 38TH NATIONAL GAMES
* Pratyasa Ray, Mannata Mishra, Divyanka Dibyajyoti Pradhan & Shristi Upadhaya — Swimming 4x100m Medley Relay
* Rima Bhoi — Weightlifting (Women’s 59 Kg)
* Women’s Rugby Team
* Babulu Munda – Wushu, Sanda Fight (Men’s 48 Kg)
* Swasti Singh – Cycling, 3000m Individual Pursuit (Women’s Elite)
* Animesh Kujur – Athletics, Men’s 100m
* Bapi Hansda – Athletics, Men’s 400m
* Lalu Prasad Bhoi, Dondapati Mrutyam Jayaram, Animesh Kujur, Amiya Mallick – Athletics, 4x100m Men’s Relay
* Raiguru Suryansh Mohapatra — Modern Pentathlon Biathle
* Animesh Kujur – Athletics, Men’s 200m
* Pranati Nayak – Gymnastics, All Around (WAG)
* Rakesh Patra – Gymnastics, Men’s Rings
* Rakesh Patra – Gymnastics, Men’s Parallel Bars
* Oinam Bidya Devi, Oinam Binita Chanu, Shruti Chougule and Dhanamanjuri Devi – Kayaking, Women’s K4W-500m,
