The 38th National Games 2025, currently underway in Uttarakhand, are creating waves in the world of Indian sports. After four exhilarating days of competition, various states have opened their medals account, but one athlete has truly emerged as a star—14-year-old Dhiniidhi Deshinghu from Karnataka. With incredible speed in the swimming pool, she has clinched her fifth gold medal. However, despite her achievements, Karnataka has slipped in the medal tally, with the Services team now taking the top spot.
Dhiniidhi and the Dominance of Karnataka Swimmers
Representing India at the upcoming Paris Olympics, Dhiniidhi made a stunning start at the National Games by winning three gold medals on the very first day. On Saturday, February 1, she secured her fifth gold in the women’s 4×200 meter freestyle relay, contributing significantly alongside her Karnataka teammates Shirin, Shalini R. Dikshit, and Meenakshi Menon. The relay event saw Gujarat and Maharashtra securing the silver and bronze medals, respectively.
Beyond Dhiniidhi, experienced swimmer Srihari Nataraj also played a pivotal role in maintaining Karnataka’s dominance in swimming. One of India’s top male swimmers, Nataraj led his team’s effort in the men’s 4×200 meter freestyle relay, capturing gold alongside teammates Dakshina S, Shon Ganguly, and Aneesh S Gauda, with a remarkable time of 7:45.82 minutes. Meanwhile, Kerala’s Sajan Prakash achieved gold in the men’s 200 meter butterfly event with a time of 2:01.40 minutes, while Maharashtra’s Dhriti Ahirwal excelled in the women’s butterfly event, securing gold.
Services Team Claims the Top Position
In terms of the medal tally, the Services team made a sensational entry into the first place. On Saturday, their athletes amassed a total of 8 medals, including 5 golds, pushing them to the top with a total of 14 golds and 26 medals overall. Karnataka follows closely in second place with 13 golds and a total of 23 medals to their name. Manipur, which held the first position just a day prior, has now fallen to fourth place with 24 total medals, including just 11 golds. Maharashtra rounds out the top three with 11 golds, 18 silvers, and a total of 41 medals.
The Rising Stars of Indian Sports
Events like the National Games serve not only as a platform for seasoned athletes but also as a breeding ground for emerging talent in Indian sports. Young athletes like Dhiniidhi Deshinghu are raising the bar and inspiring a new generation of sports enthusiasts across the nation. The national spotlight on these games emphasizes the importance of sports development and talent recognition in India, fueling aspirations for greater accomplishments on international stages.
Future Prospects for Athletes
As the National Games progress, the performances of athletes such as Dhiniidhi and Srihari showcase the significant potential of Indian sports. Their dedication and success can be a game-changer for the representation of Indian athletes in global events, including the Olympics. The ongoing games not only highlight individual achievements but also focus on fostering team spirit and competitive excellence among the states of India.