Odisha’s Rakesh Kumar Patra Strikes Gold in Parallel Bars at National Games 2025

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s star gymnast Rakesh Kumar Patra has once again made the state proud by winning the gold medal in the Parallel Bars event at the 38th National Games 2025, held in Uttarakhand. His outstanding performance reaffirms his position as one of India’s top gymnasts.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi lauded Patra’s achievement and extended his congratulations on social media. Sharing a picture of the triumphant moment on X, he wrote, “Congratulations to Odisha’s ace gymnast Rakesh Kumar Patra on winning the gold medal in the Parallel Bars event at the 38th National Games 2025 in Uttarakhand. Proud of you!”

Patra, a native of Puri district, has been a consistent performer in national gymnastics. Earlier in January 2024, he secured multiple medals at the Senior Artistic Gymnastics National Championship held at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. His tally included two golds, one silver, and two bronze medals, further cementing his dominance in the sport.

His success at the National Games is not new. At the 37th National Games in Goa in 2023, Patra played a crucial role in helping the Services team clinch gold in the men’s artistic team event. Apart from being a celebrated gymnast, he also serves as a Petty Officer in the Indian Navy.