Bhubaneswar: Odisha athletes put up an impressive show at the Special Olympics National Athletics Championships held at Maharshi Dayanand University in Rohtak, Haryana, from February 2 to 6. The state’s women’s and men’s teams combined won a total of 34 medals.
The women’s team bagged 7 gold, 8 silver, and 3 bronze medals, while the men’s team secured 6 gold, 3 silver, and 7 bronze medals. Notable performers from the women’s team include Harshita Priyadarshini Tripathi, who won bronze medals in the 50m and 100m races, and Sagupta Sahin, who clinched gold medals in the 200m race, long jump, and relay race.
From the men’s team, Bhimsen Rana won a gold medal in Lambdian and a silver medal in the 200m race, while Suvendu Baiga secured gold in long jump and bronze in the relay race.
Odisha Sports Secretary Sachin Ramachandra Yadav and Director Y Vijay congratulated the players, coaches and the organization. Special Olympics Odisha President Sunita Mund, Field Director Prakash Rath, Vice President Umakant Sarangi, State Coordinator Arpita Mohapatra, Treasurer Suresh Khuntia, Psychologist Mantosh Behera congratulated everyone and extended best wishes for future endeavour. Prakash Rath expressed gratitude for the support of the Sports Department.
The Odisha team was felicitated at the Bhubaneswar airport by the members of the organization and GM Bijay Rout, on behalf of the Sports Department, presented a floral garland to the members and players of the organisation.
