National Games: Odisha Soar As Pranati Bags 3 Gold, Women’s Rugby Team Tops

Panaji: Odisha’s athletes are shining bright at the 37th National Games in Goa.

Gymnast Pranati Nayak’s exploits and the success of women’s rugby team took Odisha’s tally of gold medals to 6.

Pranati Nayak, who topped the Women’s All-Round event earlier in the week, added two more gold medals in Artistic Gymnastics by winning the Vault and Uneven Bars events.

Tapan Mohanty claimed silver medal in Men’s Gymnastics.

The Women’s Rugby team defeated Bihar 12-7 in a thrilling final to seal gold. Four players from the Odisha squad — Hupi Majhi, Dumuni Marandi, Tarulata Nayak and Mama Nayak — represented India in the recent Hangzhou Asian Games.

The Men’s Rugby team beat West Bengal to claim bronze.

In Men’s Weightlifting, Suresh Kumar Yadav grabbed bronze in the 96 kg category with a total lift of 321 kg.

Odisha were assured of more medals as Asutosh Pujari, Ganesh Pujari, Rabindra Bhatta progressed to the finals in Pencak Silat Regu event.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has already announced cash awards for Odisha medallists — Rs 5 lakh each for gold winners, Rs 3 lakh for silver and Rs 2 lakh for bronze.