Highlighting Athletic Excellence: Day 5 of the 38th National Games witnessed record-breaking performances and intense competition. The Services Sports Control Board leads the medal tally, followed closely by Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Manipur. Athletes from these states have shown exceptional talent and dedication, making the games a thrilling spectacle.
BY PC Bureau
The competition at the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand has been fierce, with top athletes from across India showcasing their talents. Leading the medal tally is the Services Sports Control Board, which has secured a total of 26 medals, including 14 gold, 7 silver, and 5 bronze. Their dominance across various sports categories has been truly impressive.
Following closely is Karnataka with 23 medals, comprising 13 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze. Karnataka’s athletes have excelled in swimming, table tennis, and basketball, contributing significantly to their strong position in the overall standings.
In third place, Maharashtra has amassed 41 medals, including 11 gold, 18 silver, and 12 bronze. Maharashtra’s athletes have shown exceptional performances in athletics and wrestling, making a significant impact on the medal tally.
Manipur holds the fourth position with 24 medals, including 11 gold, 9 silver, and 4 bronze. Manipur’s boxers and weightlifters have particularly shined, showcasing their prowess and dedication to the sport.
The National Games continued to captivate sports enthusiasts on the fifth day of competitions. Athletes from across the nation demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, setting new records and achieving remarkable victories.
Athletics Shine with New Records
In the athletics events, Maharashtra’s Rajesh Kumar made headlines by setting a new national record in the men’s 100m final with a blistering time of 10.24 seconds. Kerala’s Priya Nair also dazzled spectators, winning gold in the women’s 200m final with a time of 23.45 seconds.
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Basketball Heats Up
The basketball courts saw intense action as Punjab’s men’s and women’s teams triumphed over Haryana, securing their spots in the next stages of the tournament. The games were marked by strategic plays and electrifying moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Lovlina Borgohain Dominates Boxing Ring
Boxing star Lovlina Borgohain showcased her prowess once again, winning her bout decisively and advancing to the next round. Manipur’s Mary Kom also continued her winning streak, adding to the excitement in the boxing arena.
Wrestling Rivals Compete Fiercely
Wrestling events were dominated by athletes from Haryana and Punjab. Haryana’s Pooja Dhanda and Punjab’s Navjot Kaur clinched gold medals in their respective weight categories, while Maharashtra’s Sajan Bhanwal emerged victorious in the men’s Greco-Roman category.
Demonstration Sports Highlight Cultural Heritage
The National Games also featured demonstration sports such as Mallakhamb, Kalarippayattu, Rafting, and Yogasana. These events provided a unique cultural experience, celebrating India’s rich heritage and traditional sports.
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Notable Performances and Upcoming Events
Indian paddler G. Sathiyan shone in table tennis, advancing to the quarterfinals with an outstanding performance. The kabaddi matches were fiercely contested, with Rajasthan’s men’s team emerging victorious in a thrilling match against Gujarat. Karnataka’s Sajan Prakash and Maharashtra’s Maana Patel set new national records in swimming, winning gold in their respective events.
As the National Games progress, excitement builds for upcoming events in gymnastics, hockey, and weightlifting. The closing ceremony on February 14 will feature cultural performances and a grand parade of athletes, celebrating their achievements and sportsmanship.
Gold medalists Surungbam Athouba Meitei from Manipur, the champion of the Men’s Triathlon, and Dolly Devidas Patil from Maharashtra, the star of the Women’s Triathlon at the 38th National Games 2025, remind us of the power of determination and hard work. True champions! 💪🏅… pic.twitter.com/Nt5elZmwIR
— Department of Sports, Government of Uttarakhand (@uksportsdept) January 27, 2025
THE LEADERS:
The Services Sports Control Board’s dominance across multiple sports categories has been evident, with standout performances in athletics, boxing, and wrestling. The athletes from the Services Sports Control Board have consistently showcased their exceptional skills and dedication, contributing significantly to their top position in the medal tally.
Karnataka’s athletes have excelled in sports such as swimming, table tennis, and basketball, earning them a prominent spot in the overall standings. The state’s strong performances in both individual and team events have been instrumental in securing their high rank. The achievements of Karnataka’s athletes reflect their hard work, determination, and the support of their coaching teams.
Manipur has been showcasing a formidable performance at the 38th National Games . Manipur’s boxers and weightlifters have particularly stood out, with several athletes advancing to the finals and securing top positions. The state’s robust sports infrastructure and support for athletes have played a crucial role in their success, fostering a culture of excellence and dedication among its competitors.
The state’s performance in traditional sports like archery and football has also been noteworthy. Manipur’s archers have consistently hit the mark, securing multiple medals and setting new records. The state’s football team, known for their agility and teamwork, has advanced to the semifinals, garnering widespread admiration. The impressive medal tally and standout performances reflect the hard work and training of
Notable gold medalists from Manipur include Sarungbam Athouba Meitei in men’s individual Duathlon and individual Triathlon Hemam Robinson in the men’s 52kg Sanda event, Bindyarani devi in 55 kg weightlifting, Yumlembam Echantombi Devi in the women’s Qiangshu event, Oinam Malemnganbi in Taijiquan, and T. Saya Chanu in the women’s Changquan event.
These athletes have not only brought glory to Manipur but also highlighted the state’s strong sports culture and training programs.
The success of Manipur’s athletes can be attributed to their rigorous training, unwavering determination, and the support of their coaches and sports authorities. The state’s impressive medal tally is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of its athletes, who have excelled in both traditional and modern sports3. As the games progress, Manipur’s athletes are expected to continue their strong performance, aiming for more medals and further establishing their dominance in various sports categories.
