As the 38th National Games continue in Uttarakhand, the event has gained attention for its thrilling swimming and shooting competitions. With numerous medals awarded across various states, the spotlight remains on Karnataka, which has demonstrated exceptional prowess in both sports. Notable performances came from athletes like Anish Bhanwala, an Olympian from Haryana, who clinched a gold medal in the men’s 25-meter rapid-fire pistol event. This article delves into the highlights of the second day of the Games, emphasizing crucial performances and the evolving medal table.
Anish Bhanwala Aims for Gold
On Thursday, January 30th, all eyes were on the shooters as the shooting events took place at the Trishul Shooting Range in Dehradun. Anish Bhanwala, representing Haryana, showcased his elite skills by dominating the competition. Having previously medaled at prestigious events like the World Championship, Anish defeated Gurpreet Singh by a margin of three hits to secure the gold medal. In the rapid-fire pistol event, Bhanwala scored 31 hits, while Gurpreet managed 28 hits to take home the silver. Punjab’s Vijayveer Sidhu rounded off the podium with 26 hits, earning the bronze medal.
Women’s 10 Meter Air Rifle Upset
In a surprising turn of events, Tamil Nadu’s Narmada triumphed in the women’s 10-meter air rifle competition, claiming gold by besting established star shooter Elavenil Valarivan, who has numerous medals under her name. Narmada’s exceptional final score of 254.4 not only handed her the gold but also broke the national record previously set by Apurvi Chandela in 2019, who finished with 252.9 points. Maharashtra’s Arya Borse secured the silver with 252.5 points, while Haryana’s Ramita Jindal took the bronze with 230.4 points.
Karnataka’s Dominance in the Medal Table
Karnataka maintained its dominance in swimming, similar to its performance on the first day of the Games. The state secured one gold and one silver medal on the second day, adding to the five gold medals won on the opening day. Besides excelling in swimming, Karnataka also claimed a gold medal in men’s road cycling, further strengthening its position at the top. Manipur, currently in second place with 11 medals, provided tough competition by winning golds in Wushu and Triathlon, pushing Karnataka to maintain its competitive edge.
Chhattisgarh Shines in Weightlifting
Chhattisgarh’s weightlifters showcased their exceptional talent as they brought home two gold medals. Vijay Kumar matched the national record in the men’s 55 kg clean and jerk category, winning gold. Additionally, fellow weightlifter Gyaneshwari Yadav achieved remarkable success in the women’s 49 kg category, lifting a total of 191 kg (85 kg + 106 kg) to claim the gold medal. The silver and bronze medals went to Maharashtra’s Sarika Shingare and Haryana’s Komal Kohar, both lifting 179 kg.
Conclusion
As the 38th National Games unfold, athletes across India are showcasing their talents, making it an event to remember. With continued highlights in swimming, shooting, and weightlifting, spectators can look forward to even more thrilling competitions while keeping a close eye on the evolving medal table.