The National Games 2025, currently taking place in Uttarakhand, has become a showcase for exceptional swimming talent. Among the standout performers are two athletes from Karnataka: 14-year-old Dhienidhi Desinghu and Sr Hari Nataraj. Both have made headlines by winning gold medals, contributing significantly to Karnataka’s position at the top of the medal table. This article will delve into their remarkable achievements and the overall performance of teams at the National Games 2025, emphasizing the key highlights in swimming and other sports.
Srihari Nataraj Claims His Fifth Gold Medal
On February 2, Srihari Nataraj, who is set to represent India at the Paris Olympics, added another gold medal to his collection in the men’s 100-meter backstroke event with an impressive time of 56.26 seconds. This victory marks his fifth gold medal at the National Games, bringing his total medal count to six. Nataraj triumphed over fellow Karnataka swimmer Akash, who secured the silver medal, while Maharashtra’s swimmer claimed the bronze. Notably, Delhi also showcased strong performances in swimming, winning two gold medals.
Outstanding Performances in Weightlifting
In addition to swimming, the weightlifting events have drawn significant attention. Services athlete Jagdish Vishwakarma excelled in the 102-kilogram weight category, lifting a total of 345 kilograms to secure a gold medal. His remarkable feat included a clean and jerk lift of 195 kilograms, performed while balancing on one leg, a display that stunned the audience. Additionally, Maharashtra’s Vaishnav Thakur set a national record by lifting 160 kilograms in the snatch category, earning him a silver medal. In the women’s 81-kilogram category, Chandigarh’s Vanshita lifted 208 kilograms to clinch the gold medal.
Services Leads the Medal Table
When examining the medal table, Services and Karnataka continue to hold the top two positions. Services leads with a total of 33 medals, including 17 golds, 9 silvers, and 7 bronzes. Karnataka closely follows, also with 33 medals, consisting of 15 golds, 9 silvers, and 9 bronzes. Maharashtra is in third place with 13 golds, 23 silvers, and 15 bronzes. Manipur, which was previously leading, has now dropped to fourth place with 11 golds, 9 silvers, and 5 bronzes.
Conclusion
The ongoing National Games 2025 not only highlight the exceptional individual talents of athletes like Srihari Nataraj and Dhienidhi Desinghu but also showcase the strength of team performances from various states. As the games progress, fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling competitions and remarkable achievements across all sports, reinforcing India’s growing prominence in athletics.