Bhubaneswar: The 4th Indian Open Under-23 Athletics Championship concluded today in Patna, Bihar, with athletes from Odisha making a significant mark. The 18-member Odisha team bagged a total of 7 medals, including 5 gold and 2 silver, securing third place in the overall medal tally.
Ace sprinter Animesh Kujur stole the spotlight, clinching two gold medals in the 100m and 200m sprints, while setting new meet records in both categories. Kujur clocked 20.65 seconds in the 200m, breaking his own previous record, and 10.38 seconds in the 100m, earning him the title of Best Male Athlete at the championship.
Expressing his excitement, Kujur said, “I am glad that I could maintain consistency this whole season. Winning the Best Male Athlete award is a huge honor for me.”
Jasbir Nayak also made headlines, winning gold in the decathlon with a meet record score of 7,065 points. A Graceson Jeeva took home gold in the 110m hurdles, finishing the race in 14.49 seconds. Laxmi Priya Kisan added to Odisha’s tally with a gold in the 800m and a silver in the 1500m, both achieved with her personal best timings. Merymukta Soreng rounded out the medal haul, earning silver in the triple jump event.
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