In a stunning display of athleticism and grit, Odisha’s star athletes took center stage at the Indian Open Athletics Meet held in Patna on July 19, 2025. Their impressive performances resulted in eight medals, including gold, silver, and bronze across various events, showcasing the state’s growing prominence in Indian athletics. These athletes not only dominated the competition but also left a lasting impression on both the spectators and their peers.
Odisha’s athletes’ remarkable performances came as a pleasant surprise to many, reinforcing the state’s commitment to fostering and nurturing top-tier talent in sports. The Indian Open Athletics Meet is one of the most anticipated events on the athletics calendar, and Odisha’s athletes made the most of their time in the spotlight, proving they have what it takes to compete at the highest level.
In this article, we’ll break down the performances, profiles of key athletes, and some valuable insights that can help aspiring athletes and sports enthusiasts better understand how Odisha is becoming a sports powerhouse.
Odisha’s Star Athletes Dominate Indian Open Athletics
| Event | Gold Medalist | Silver Medalist | Bronze Medalist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women’s 100m | Srabani Nanda (12.05s) | – | – |
| Women’s 1500m | Laxmipriya Kisan (4:37.90) | Nitu Kumari (4:39.16) | – |
| Men’s Long Jump | – | Sarun Payasingh (7.68m) | – |
| Men’s 100m | – | Amiya Kumar Mallick (10.71s) | Abhinash Sahu (10.76s) |
| Women’s Long Jump | Manisha Merel (5.72m) | – | – |
| Men’s High Jump | – | Swadhin Kumar Majhi (2.10m) | – |
Odisha’s impressive showing at the Indian Open Athletics Meet of 2025 has placed the state on the map as a serious contender in Indian athletics. With athletes like Srabani Nanda, Laxmipriya Kisan, and others leading the charge, Odisha’s future in athletics looks very promising. Their performances highlight the potential of grassroots-level sports development and the importance of fostering young talent through dedicated support.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that Odisha is on the rise, and its athletes are poised to make an even bigger impact on the national and international athletic scene in the years to come.
Introduction to Odisha’s Growing Athletic Talent
Odisha, a state that may not always make headlines for its sports scene, has quietly been building a reputation for nurturing top athletic talent. The Indian Open Athletics Meet of 2025 marked a turning point, with athletes from Odisha clinching medals in a variety of track and field events. This strong showing at the national level reflects the state’s efforts to create a more competitive sporting environment.
One of the driving forces behind this success is the state’s investment in grassroots-level sports development. Through specialized training programs, increased access to facilities, and partnerships with local schools and colleges, Odisha is now home to some of the brightest athletic stars in India.
Odisha’s Athletes at the 2025 Indian Open Athletics Meet
Here’s a closer look at some of the key athletes who made a splash at the meet:
Srabani Nanda – A Speedster to Watch
Srabani Nanda has long been recognized as one of Odisha’s fastest sprinters. At the Indian Open Athletics Meet, she came so close to taking home the gold in the women’s 100m event, clocking a time of 12.05 seconds. While she didn’t quite clinch the top spot, the narrow margin—missing it by just 0.01 seconds—showed the level of competition and how far she has come. Srabani’s performance underscores her readiness to compete with India’s best and her potential to shine at the international level.
Laxmipriya Kisan – Dominating the Middle Distance
Another star in the making is Laxmipriya Kisan, who secured gold in the women’s 1500m event with an impressive time of 4:37.90. Laxmipriya outpaced Bihar’s Nitu Kumari, who finished second with a time of 4:39.16. Her win is a testament to her training and stamina. She’s now on the radar for larger national competitions and could very well represent India in international meets.
Sarun Payasingh – A Rising Star in Long Jump
In the men’s long jump, Sarun Payasingh achieved a remarkable second-place finish with a leap of 7.68 meters. Although not a gold, this performance places him as a strong contender in future competitions. His jump was a massive achievement, placing him among India’s elite athletes in this event.
Amiya Kumar Mallick and Abhinash Sahu – Sizzling in the 100m
In a nail-biting men’s 100m race, Odisha’s Amiya Kumar Mallick and Abhinash Sahu secured the second and third positions, clocking times of 10.71 seconds and 10.76 seconds, respectively. These times put them in a competitive position on the national stage, with both athletes already eyeing higher honors in future events.
Ananya Singh – Excellence in Women’s Long Jump
Ananya Singh, another standout, earned second place in the women’s long jump with a leap of 5.12 meters. Her consistency in field events shows her technical prowess, and we can expect her to improve further with each competition.
Swadhin Kumar Majhi – High Jump Excellence
In the men’s high jump, Swadhin Kumar Majhi showcased his skills by clearing 2.10 meters to win silver. Majhi’s disciplined approach to training and his ability to perform under pressure have made him one of Odisha’s top athletes in track and field.
Manisha Merel – Long Jump Gold
Lastly, Manisha Merel impressed fans with her performance in the women’s long jump, securing gold with a leap of 5.72 meters. Her victory is a direct result of her disciplined training regimen and commitment to the sport.
How Odisha’s Success is Shaping the Future of Indian Athletics
Odisha’s strong performance at the Indian Open Athletics Meet is not just about the athletes themselves but also about the infrastructure and system that supports them. The state has invested heavily in sports academies, training facilities, and international-standard coaches to nurture young talent. This long-term investment is paying off, as seen in the performances of these athletes.
Moreover, the Odisha government has consistently supported athletics through various schemes aimed at boosting the careers of aspiring athletes. This includes financial incentives, coaching support, and opportunities to compete at national and international levels. Such initiatives are crucial in ensuring that talent from all corners of the state gets the chance to shine.
Key Steps to Nurturing Athletic Talent
If you’re an aspiring athlete or someone looking to build a career in sports, the success of Odisha’s athletes can offer some valuable lessons:
- Focus on Consistent Training – Regular training, even on tough days, is essential to mastering any sport. Odisha’s athletes demonstrate the importance of sticking to a rigorous routine, which leads to results on the big stage.
- Seek Proper Guidance – Working with the right coaches can significantly enhance your performance. Odisha’s athletes benefit from top-notch coaching, which helps them fine-tune their skills and build strategies for competition.
- Embrace a Positive Mindset – The ability to bounce back after a setback or close loss is what separates the greats from the good. Odisha’s athletes, even in events where they didn’t win gold, displayed the resilience needed for success.
- Leverage Local and National Competitions – Gaining experience through local and regional meets builds the confidence and exposure needed to compete at national and international events.
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FAQs
1. How did Odisha’s athletes prepare for the Indian Open Athletics Meet?
Odisha’s athletes underwent intense training, focusing on strength, technique, and mental conditioning. They trained under expert coaches who helped them refine their skills in various track and field events.
2. How can other states learn from Odisha’s success in athletics?
Other states can learn from Odisha’s systematic approach to sports development. By investing in grassroots programs, offering financial incentives, and focusing on training infrastructure, other regions can emulate Odisha’s success.
3. What’s next for Odisha’s top athletes?
For Odisha’s athletes, the next step involves participating in international competitions and continuing to break personal records. The Indian Open Athletics Meet has put them on the map, and future opportunities are looking bright.
