Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s top swimmer Shristi Upadhaya made a splash on the opening day of the 78th Senior National Aquatic Championships 2025 by clinching the gold medal in the women’s 100m butterfly event.
Competing at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Shristi clocked an impressive 1:03.50 to take the top podium spot in a highly competitive field. This marks her first individual gold at the senior national level, making the achievement all the more special.
“I am very happy to win the gold medal on the first day of the championships. It is my first individual medal and a huge confidence boost,” said an elated Shristi after the event. “I will also be competing in the 50m and 200m butterfly events. My immediate target now is to qualify for the Asian Championships and the Asian Games.”
The five-day national event was formally inaugurated earlier in the day by Odisha Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, in the presence of Swimming Federation of India President RN Jayprakash and other senior officials.
The championships, featuring the country’s top swimming talent, will conclude on June 26.
