KIYG 2023: Odisha Strike It Rich In Kho Kho, Athletics, Canoeing & Kayaking

Bhopal: Odisha athletes have been excelling in the ongoing Khelo India Youth Games 2022 at Madhya Pradesh.

The Odisha girls’ team on Friday clinched the kho kho team gold medal defeating a strong Maharashtra side in the final.

Odisha boys claimed the bronze medal in kho kho competition.

In track and field, Jayaram Dondapati did Odisha proud today by winning the men’s 100m sprint. Jayaram clocked 10:53 seconds to rewrite the Khelo India Youth Games record.

Sabita Toppo added to Odisha’s gold medal kitty in the evening when she emerged best in the women’s long jump event.

Odisha’s canoeing and kayaking contingent has also enjoyed a lot of success, with a haul of 11 medals, 4 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze.

Roji Devi on Friday scooped gold in women’s canoe sprint K-1 200m event to add to the gold in kayaking K-4 women’s 500m she won a day earlier.

Odisha are currently in fourth place in the medals’ tally with 7 gold, 3 silver and 5 bronze for a total of 15 medals.

Powerhouse Maharashtra (14 gold) lead the standings with 43 medals, followed by hosts MP (14 gold, total 25) and Haryana (11 gold, total 21).

Madhya Pradesh is hosting the KIYG for the first time. The Games started on January 30 and will conclude on February 11.