Odisha athletes delivered a remarkable performance at the Special Olympics Bharat National Athletics Championships held at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, from February 2 to 6.
The state team secured a total of 34 medals, showcasing talent and determination.
The women’s team won 7 gold, 8 silver, and 3 bronze medals. Harshita Priyadarshini Tripathi earned bronze medals in the 50m and 100m races, while Sagupta Sahin dominated with gold medals in the 200m race, long jump, and relay.
The men’s team added 6 gold, 3 silver, and 7 bronze medals. Bhimsen Rana clinched gold in Lambdian and silver in the 200m race. Suvendu Baiga impressed with gold in the long jump and bronze in the relay.
Odisha Sports Secretary Sachin Ramachandra Yadav and Director Y Vijay congratulated the athletes, coaches, and organisers. Special Olympics Odisha President Sunita Mund, Field Director Prakash Rath, Vice President Umakant Sarangi, State Coordinator Arpita Mohapatra, Treasurer Suresh Khuntia, and Psychologist Mantosh Behera extended their best wishes. Rath expressed gratitude to the Sports Department for its support.
The Odisha team received a warm welcome at Bhubaneswar airport. Members of the organisation felicitated the athletes, and GM Bijay Rout presented floral garlands on behalf of the Sports Department.
