Bhubaneswar, Odisha - In a display of athletic prowess and sportsmanship, Team Odisha has emerged victorious at the DAV National Sports 2024, held recently in Delhi NCR. The young athletes shattered expectations, bringing home an unprecedented 91 medals – 29 gold, 27 silver, and 35 bronze – a feat that has etched their names in the annals of Odisha's sporting history.
This impressive performance saw Odisha outshine all other participating states, a testament to the dedication and talent nurtured within the DAV schools across the state. More than 15,000 students from DAV schools across India competed in the games, making Odisha's triumph even more remarkable.
The Odisha contingent, comprising 270 athletes, showcased their skills across a range of disciplines, including gymnastics, swimming, roller skating, archery, shooting, athletics, karate, taekwondo, aerobics, wushu, and skipping rope.
Individual Medal Highlights:
- Gymnastics: Pritti Jhankar of DAV, Kalinga Nagar, led the charge with an impressive haul of 4 gold and 1 silver medal. Sidiksha Sahu added to the tally with 2 bronze medals, while Shelina Srestha of DAV, Puri, secured 1 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals.
- Swimming: Manojit Roy of DAV, CDA, Cuttack, made waves with 2 gold and 1 bronze medal. Kirti Kiranmayee Sahoo claimed 2 silver medals, while Debesh Kharab secured 1 bronze and 1 silver.
- Roller Skating: Ansul Keshari Praharaj of DAV, Pokhariput, clinched 1 gold and 1 bronze medal. Sai Reyansh Parida and Somnil Adishakti Bag each bagged 2 gold medals, and Sanvi Tiwari secured 1 gold and 1 bronze.
- Archery: Khirod Kumar of DAV, Lanjigarh, hit the bullseye with 1 gold and 2 silver medals.
Team Triumphs:
- Gold: Under-14 girls kho-kho, under-14 boys skating, under-17 girls chess, and under-19 boys aerobics.
- Silver: Under-17 boys chess, lawn tennis, roller skating, archery, and under-19 boys cricket.
- Bronze: Under-14 girls lawn tennis, chess, aerobics, skipping rope, and under-17 girls archery.
This resounding success is a culmination of the unwavering support from the DAV College Managing Committee, the guidance of Regional Director Dr. Keshaba Chandra Satapathy, and the meticulous supervision of State Coordinator Ms. Ipsita Dash, Principal of DAV Public School, Unit-VIII, Bhubaneswar.
Odisha's remarkable achievement at the DAV National Sports 2024 is not just a win for the athletes and their schools, but a testament to the growing sporting culture in the state. This victory will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes and pave the way for greater success on the national and international stage. The dedication, discipline, and teamwork displayed by these young athletes serve as an example for all, proving that with passion and perseverance, any goal is attainable.
