Rasmita Sahoo’s Double Gold Propels Odisha to 2nd Place at Inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival

Odisha demonstrated its exceptional skill in water sports at the inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival held in Bhubaneswar, securing a strong second place overall. The state’s impressive medal haul was significantly bolstered by standout athlete Rasmita Sahoo, who earned two gold medals.

Event Overview

The festival brought together top athletes from across India, competing in disciplines such as canoeing, kayaking, and rowing. It served as a national platform aimed at nurturing future champions in water sports.

Rasmita Sahoo’s Stellar Performance

Rasmita Sahoo dominated the women’s canoe single events, winning gold in both the 200m and 500m races. Her powerful and precise paddling left competitors behind, proving crucial in securing Odisha’s second-place finish in the overall medal tally.

Odisha’s Overall Medal Tally

• Gold: 5
• Silver: 3
• Bronze: 4

The team captain expressed pride in the athletes’ dedication and highlighted the progress made through water sports training programs.

Other Notable Achievements

• Silver medal by Odisha’s men’s kayaking team in the 4x200m relay
• Bronze medals in women’s rowing events

The competition was intense, with athletes contending against challenging water conditions and pushing their limits.

Significance of the Festival

Organizers emphasized the event’s role in promoting water sports at the grassroots level and praised state teams like Odisha for enhancing the standards and competitiveness of the sport in India.

Rasmita Sahoo reflected on her victories, stating, “Winning two gold medals here is a dream come true. I want to thank my coaches and team for their support. This festival is a great step for all young athletes.”

The success of Odisha at this inaugural festival sets a positive precedent for future events and boosts the momentum for Olympic qualification efforts. Additionally, the festival attracted large crowds and enthusiastic local support, highlighting the growing popularity of water sports in India.

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