image credits: odisha sports
Odisha at National Games has once again demonstrated its growing stature in the national sports arena by securing the first gold medal for the state at the 38th National Games 2025, held in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. This victory not only elevates the state’s profile but also highlights the dedication and skill of its athletes, particularly in swimming and rugby.
Odisha at National Games – Gold in the 4X100 Medley Relay
Gold in the 4X100 Medley Relay
The highlight of Odisha’s performance was the women’s 4X100 Medley Relay team clinching the gold medal with an impressive timing of 4:30.09. The team, comprising Pratyasa Ray and Mannata Mishra in breaststroke, Shrishti Upadhyay in butterfly, and Divyanka Dibyajyoti Pradhan in freestyle, showcased exceptional teamwork and skill. This victory was a testament to their training and the state’s focus on nurturing sports talent.
Individual Achievements
Divyanka Dibyajyoti Pradhan further added to Odisha’s tally by securing an individual bronze medal in the women’s 200m breaststroke event, clocking 2:45.56. This individual success underscores the depth of talent within Odisha’s swimming contingent. Additionally, Shrishti Upadhyay, who was part of the relay team, also won a bronze in her event on the previous day, enhancing Odisha’s medal count.
Rugby Teams Advance to Semifinals on the same day, Odisha’s sporting story continued with both the women’s and men’s rugby teams advancing to the semifinals. The women’s team defeated Tamil Nadu with a score of 56-0, while the men’s team outplayed the host Uttarakhand, scoring 36-0 in their respective quarterfinal matches held in Dehradun. Both teams are set to face Maharashtra in the semifinals, setting the stage for intense competition.
Current Medal Tally for Odisha at National Games
So far, at the National Games, Odisha has secured nine medals – three gold and six bronze, reflecting a promising start and a testament to the state’s investment in sports development.
Sports Infrastructure and Development for Odisha at National Games
Odisha has been proactive in enhancing its sports infrastructure, which has directly contributed to such successes at national levels. Projects like:
- Kalinga Sports Complex: Home to numerous national and international sports events, this complex has state-of-the-art facilities for multiple sports, including swimming.
- Odisha Naval Tata Hockey High Performance Centre: Although focused on hockey, this center exemplifies the state’s commitment to sports excellence.
- Sports Hostels and Academies: Spread across the state, these facilities provide specialized training and education, ensuring athletes have the best environment to hone their skills.
These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to promote sports at the grassroots level, aiming to unearth and nurture talent from across Odisha.
