Odisha delivered a remarkable performance at the inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival held in Bhubaneswar, securing a thrilling second place overall. The star of the event was undoubtedly Rasmita Sahoo, who clinched two gold medals, greatly contributing to Odisha’s strong showing.
The festival showcased India’s premier water sports talent, including kayaking, canoeing, and rowing events, with states competing fiercely for top honors. Odisha, a state with a rich legacy in water sports, lived up to its reputation through several noteworthy performances, led by Sahoo’s outstanding achievements.
Rasmita Sahoo’s Double Gold Triumph
Sahoo emerged victorious in the women’s single kayak 200m and 500m races, finishing with impressive timings of 45.3 seconds and 1 minute 52 seconds respectively. She overcame tough competition from athletes representing Maharashtra and Haryana, sparking jubilant celebrations among Odisha’s contingent and fans at the Kalinga Stadium.
Sahoo expressed her excitement, saying, “It feels incredible to win double gold at such a prestigious event on home soil. This motivates me to train harder and represent my state and country at higher levels.”
Overall Team Performance
Odisha concluded the festival with an impressive medal tally:
- 5 gold medals
- 3 silver medals
- 4 bronze medals
Maharashtra topped the medal table, while Haryana took third place. A highlight for Odisha was the men’s rowing team securing a silver medal in the lightweight coxless four event, narrowly missing gold by less than two seconds. This strong showing reflects the state’s growing investment in aquatic sports infrastructure and athlete development.
The Future of Water Sports in India
The Khelo India Water Sports Festival is set to become an annual event, designed to foster grassroots talent and strengthen India’s global presence in water sports. Odisha’s near-title victory has heightened expectations for upcoming editions, promising even more intense competition and rising stars.
Fans across social media have responded enthusiastically, applauding Odisha’s effort and Sahoo’s heroics. Many have called for increased support and funding for water sports throughout India, recognizing its vast potential for success on the international stage.
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