Odisha’s Excellence at the 38th National Games 2025 Uttarakhand

Odisha at National Games 2025 has once again demonstrated its growing prowess in the sports arena. The 38th National Games, held in Uttarakhand from January 28 to February 14, 2025, provided yet another platform for Odisha’s athletes to shine, showcasing their dedication and skill across various sports disciplines.

Odisha’s Medal Tally at the 38th National Games

Odisha athletes delivered an exceptional performance, securing a total of 46 medals at the National Games. This impressive tally included:

• 14 Gold Medals
• 15 Silver Medals
• 17 Bronze Medals

Odisha’s Gold-Medallists at the 38th National Games

• Animesh Kujur – Athletics (Men’s 100m, 200m, and 4x100m Relay)
• Rakesh Patra – Gymnastics (Still Rings, Parallel Bars)
• Pranati Nayak – Gymnastics (Individual All Around – Senior Women)
• Swasti Singh – Cycling (Individual Pursuit – Women’s Elite)
• Babulu Munda – Wushu (48Kg category)
• Women’s 4x100m Medley Relay Team – Swimming (Members: Pratyasa Ray, Mannata Mishra, Divyanka Dibyajyoti Pradhan, Shristi Upadhaya)
• Women’s Rugby Team – Rugby (Team event)
• Men’s 4x100m Relay Team – Athletics (Members: Lalu Prasad Bhoi, Dondapati Mrutyam Jayaram, Animesh Kujur, Amiya Mallick)
• Raiguru Suryansh Mohapatra – Modern Pentathlon (Biathle – Individual)

Odisha’s Silver-Medallists at the 38th National Games

• Pranati Nayak – Gymnastics (Individual All Around – Senior Women)
• Swasti Singh – Cycling (3000m Individual Pursuit – Women’s Elite)
• Pranab Das – Modern Pentathlon (Biathle – Individual)
• Men’s Kho Kho Team – Kho Kho (Team event)
• Women’s Kho Kho Team – Kho Kho (Team event)
• Modern Pentathlon Biathle Team – Modern Pentathlon (Team event, Members: Pranab Das, Raiguru Suryansh Mohapatra, Pratik Das)

Odisha’s Bronze-Medallists at the 38th National Games

• Pranati Nayak – Gymnastics (Individual All Around – Senior Women)
• Swasti Singh – Cycling (Individual Pursuit – Women’s Elite)
• Khoirom Rejiya Devi – Cycling (Individual Pursuit – Women’s Elite)
• Tapan Mohanty – Gymnastics (Still Rings)
• Men’s Rugby Team – Rugby (Team event)

These achievements placed Odisha in the 12th position in the final medals tally, marking a significant improvement from the previous games where they had ranked 16th. The state’s athletes competed across 35 sports disciplines, showcasing their versatility and skill in various events.

Stellar Performances from Odisha at National Games 2025

Athletics: Sprinting to Gold for Odisha at National Games 2025

Odisha’s track athletes were particularly successful, clinching gold medals in several running events. Men’s 100m, 200m, and 400m runs, where they not only secured gold but also established themselves as formidable contenders on the national stage. The Men’s 4x100m Relay Team set a record with an impressive timing of 39.47 seconds, earning them a gold medal and highlighting the teamwork and training invested in these athletes.

Rugby: A Golden Victory

In Rugby, Odisha’s teams shone brightly:  The Women’s Rugby Team won the gold medal, showcasing their strategic gameplay and physical conditioning. Meanwhile, the Men’s Rugby Team took home a bronze medal, contributing further to Odisha’s overall medal count.

Kho Kho: Silver in Speed and Strategy

Odisha’s Kho Kho teams did not disappoint, with both men’s and women’s teams earning silver medals. This reflects the state’s focus on traditional sports, where agility and tactical acumen are paramount.

Cycling & Gymnastics Scores for Odisha at National Games 2025

A notable achievement in cycling came from Swasti Singh, who secured a bronze medal in the 60 Km Road Mass Cycling event. Moreover in Gymnastics, Gymnast Rakesh Patra won two golds, while gymnast Pranati Nayak bagged one gold, one silver and two bronze medals.

Government Support and Recognition

The Odisha government has been proactive in promoting sports and recognizing its athletes’ achievements. Cash Awards were announced for the medalists, with Rs 6 lakh for gold, Rs 4 lakh for silver, and Rs 3 lakh for bronze winners. This initiative not only celebrates the athletes but also motivates future generations to pursue sports seriously.

Odisha’s success at the National Games is not just a testament to the athletes’ capabilities but also the state’s investment in sports infrastructure. The state has been developing world-class facilities and hosting significant international events.

The performance at the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand has set a new benchmark for Odisha in the national sports arena. With continued support, development of sports facilities, and grassroots-level talent scouting, Odisha is on its way to becoming a consistent powerhouse in Indian sports.