Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
The final day of the kayaking and canoeing sprint events at Tehri Lake was a sight to behold. Athletes showcased their strength, rhythm, and strategic prowess at the 38th National Games. The 500-meter events in both men’s and women’s categories witnessed intense competition.
In the women’s K-4 500m race, Odisha’s team secured a golden victory. The quartet of Shruti Chougule, Oinam Bidya Devi, Oinam Binita Chanu, and Khwairakpam Dhanamanjuri Devi completed the race in 01:46.95, claiming the gold medal. The Madhya Pradesh team, comprising Nidhi, Daily Bishnoi, Manaswini Swain, and L. Meena Devi, finished in 01:48.65, earning the silver medal. Kerala’s team—Anna Elizabeth, Alina Biju, Andrea Paulos, and Treesa Jacob—clinched the bronze with a time of 01:49.19.
Uttarakhand’s Fairenban Sonia Devi delivered a stellar performance in the women’s K-1 500m event, winning the gold medal. She completed the race in 02:06.935, thrilling the spectators. Services’ G. Parvathi secured the silver medal with a time of 02:07.800, while Odisha’s Khwairakpam Dhanamanjuri Devi claimed the bronze with a time of 02:08.466.
The men’s K-4 500m race saw a dominant display by the Services team, which showcased excellent coordination and speed to clinch the gold medal. The team of Sunny Kumar, Varinder Singh, Goli Ramesh, and Ajit Singh completed the race in 01:28.320, securing first place. The host state, Uttarakhand, put up a tough fight, with the team of Aditya Saini, Vishal Dhangi, Harshvardhan Singh Shekhawat, and Prabhat Kumar finishing in 01:28.609, earning the silver medal. Madhya Pradesh’s team, consisting of Akshit Baroi, Himanshu Tandon, Sachin, and Ningombam Manjit Meitei, clocked 01:30.355, taking home the bronze medal.
The electrifying races at Tehri Lake highlighted India’s rising talent in water sports. With top-notch competition and seamless organization, the 38th National Games reinforced Uttarakhand’s growing reputation as a hub for adventure and sporting excellence.
