Odisha Athletes Shine at 38th National Games, Bag 46 Medals

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s athletes delivered a stellar performance at the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand, securing a total of 46 medals—14 gold, 15 silver, and 17 bronze—and finishing 12th in the overall rankings. The impressive feat placed Odisha among the top 15 sporting states in the country, reaffirming its status as a rising powerhouse in Indian sports.

To honor and reward the outstanding performances, the Odisha government has announced cash incentives of ₹6 lakh for gold medalists, ₹4 lakh for silver medalists, and ₹3 lakh for bronze medalists.

Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, lauding the athletes, said, “Odisha has made its mark at the National Games, with 46 medals, including 14 gold. This is a remarkable achievement, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our athletes. As a token of appreciation, we will felicitate them with cash awards. The government remains committed to supporting and nurturing sporting talent, ensuring Odisha shines on both national and international platforms.”

Odisha fielded a strong contingent of 302 athletes and 75 support staff at the prestigious event. Among the standout performers:

• Sprinter Animesh Kujur clinched three gold medals
• Gymnast Rakesh Patra secured two gold medals
• Gymnast Pranati Nayak won one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals
• Cyclist Swasti Singh added to the tally with one gold, two silver, and two bronze medals

Additionally, Odisha’s athletes set new records across various sporting categories, further solidifying the state’s position as a key contender in the national sports arena.

With its continued focus on athlete development, infrastructure, and training, Odisha is poised to emerge as a dominant force in Indian sports, aiming for greater success in the years to come.