The 37th National Games witnessed awe-inspiring moments and historic achievements, none more impressive than Srihari Nataraj’s astounding performance in the Men’s 200m Freestyle event. Breaking his own previous record, set at 1:49.73, Srihari clocked a phenomenal 1:49.09 in Goa, creating a new National Record (NGR) and clinching the gold medal. His remarkable feat not only showcases his talent but also reflects his relentless determination to excel.
Sajan Prakash of Kerala finished second with a timing of 1:51.10s, while Aneesh Gowda of Karnataka claimed the third position with a time of 1:52.18s.
The swimming arena continued to witness exceptional performances as Sajan Prakash added another feather to his cap by winning the men’s 100m butterfly with a new National Games mark of 53.79s. Maharashtra’s Mihir Ambre and B Benedicton Rohit of Tamil Nadu secured the silver and bronze, respectively.
In the women’s section, Karnataka’s Nina Venkatesh set a new National Games record in the 100m butterfly, clocking 1:02.22s. Astha Choudhary of Assam and Shristy Upadhaya of Odisha clinched the silver and bronze medals, respectively.
Team events were not short of excitement either. Karnataka dominated the 4×100 Freestyle Relay for both men and women, setting new records in both categories. Their men’s team, comprising Sambhavv R, Prithvi M, Aneesh S. Gowda, and Srihari Nataraj, clocked 3:26.88s (NMR), while the women’s team, consisting of Harshika Ramachandra, Shalini R. Dixit, Nina Venkatesh, and Dhinidhi Desinghu, finished in 3:59.53s (NGR).
In addition to these outstanding performances, Goa showcased their prowess in Pencak Silat, securing one gold and eight bronze medals on the final day of competitions. This impressive tally pushed Goa’s total medal count to 26, a remarkable achievement for the state.
The 37th National Games have truly been a celebration of talent, determination, and sportsmanship. These remarkable athletes have not only made their states proud but have also inspired countless individuals with their exceptional achievements.
Featured Image: Mathrubhumi English