Bengaluru: Karnataka’s Deekshita headlined an impressive day for state athletes at the 4th Indian Open U-23 Athletics Competition held in Patna, clinching a gold medal in the women’s 400 metres hurdles event. With a remarkable performance, she clocked a time of 1:00.40, showcasing her prowess on the track and contributing significantly to Karnataka’s overall success at the event.
The achievements didn’t stop with Deekshita. Tushar Vasant Bhekane and Lokesh K also made their mark in the men’s 800m event, securing silver and bronze medals, respectively. They finished behind Rajasthan’s Shakeel, who took the gold. Tushar completed the race in 1:51.97, while Lokesh followed closely, clocking 1:53.23. Their performances highlight the depth of talent in Karnataka’s athletics squad and the ongoing development of younger athletes in the state.
Deesha Ganapathy further added to Karnataka’s medal tally by securing a bronze in the women’s long jump. She achieved her best jump of 5.86 metres, demonstrating her skill and determination. Meanwhile, in the men’s high jump, Sudeep won silver with a leap of 2.11 metres, coming in behind Kerala’s Jomon Joy, who set a new meet record with an impressive jump of 2.17 metres. This competition clearly showcased the competitive spirit and athletic excellence across various disciplines.
The Indian Open U-23 Athletics Competition has emerged as a crucial platform for young athletes to demonstrate their skills and gain recognition. This year’s event was marked by extraordinary performances that not only set personal bests but also new records. Athletes from various states showcased their abilities, making it an unforgettable experience for all participants and spectators alike.
One of the standout performances came from Odisha’s Animesh Kujur, who was named the best male athlete of the competition. He set a new meet record in the 200m dash final, clocking an impressive 20.65 seconds. This victory was particularly noteworthy as it surpassed his own previous meet record of 20.87 seconds set in 2023. Kujur had already made headlines earlier in the competition by winning gold in the 100m dash with a time of 10.40 seconds, further solidifying his status as a rising star in Indian athletics.
In the women’s category, Gujarat’s Devyaniba Zala was recognised as the best female athlete of the meet. She won gold in the 400m race with a time of 53.53 seconds, showcasing her talent and potential for future competitions. Meanwhile, Maharashtra’s Sudeshna Hanmant Shivankar emerged as the fastest female athlete, winning the 100m race in a remarkable 11.76 seconds. Her performance not only earned her a gold medal but also highlighted the competitive nature of women’s sprinting in India.
The outcomes of the Indian Open U-23 Athletics Competition reflect a growing trend in Indian athletics, where emerging athletes are continuously raising the bar. With more opportunities for young talent to compete at high levels, the future of athletics in India appears promising. Events like these play a vital role in identifying and nurturing the next generation of athletes who could represent India on international platforms.
As the dust settles on the Indian Open U-23 Athletics Competition, the achievements of Karnataka’s athletes, led by Deekshita, stand as a testament to the hard work and dedication that these young sportspeople exhibit. With more competitions on the horizon, the hope is that these athletes will continue to excel and inspire others in the pursuit of athletic excellence.