By ANUKRITI SRIVASTAVA
DEHRADUN, 12 Feb: The 38th National Games 2025 in Uttarakhand have reached an exciting stage, with Day 15 bringing thrilling moments in athletics, hockey, gymnastics, and other sports. Held across multiple venues, Wednesday’s events featured final rounds in key competitions, drawing huge interest from sports fans.
In athletics, the final day showcased record-breaking performances. Sachin Yadav stole the spotlight in the men’s javelin throw final, achieving an impressive throw of 84.39m, breaking a 10-year-old meet record. His remarkable performance also positioned him as the world leader for 2025. Meanwhile, Pooja successfully defended her title in the women’s high jump, setting a new National Games record of 1.84m, surpassing the previous mark of 1.83m set by Swapna Barman.
Other highlights in athletics included Vithya Ramraj from Tamil Nadu winning gold in the women’s 400m hurdles, followed closely by her teammate Shreevarthani SK with silver and Maharashtra’s Neha Dhabale taking home bronze. Ruchit Mori from Gujarat clinched the gold in the men’s 400m hurdles, while Punjab’s Jasmine Kaur triumphed in the women’s shot put.
The men’s hockey semi-finals were filled with excitement. Karnataka secured a place in the final after a thrilling 5-4 shootout victory over Maharashtra. Maharashtra initially took a 2-0 lead, but Karnataka mounted a strong comeback, pushing the game into a shootout. The second semi-final between Uttar Pradesh and Punjab will determine who faces Karnataka in the final.
A touching moment of sportsmanship occurred in women’s wrestling (53 kg category) when July from Uttar Pradesh carried her injured opponent, Annu from Bihar, off the mat after winning the match. This heartwarming act received praise from spectators and fellow athletes alike.
In the overall medal tally, Services continue to lead the National Games with 55 gold and a total of 100 medals. Maharashtra is not far behind, boasting 41 gold and 149 medals overall. With just a few days remaining, the competition for the top spot is intensifying.
As the National Games near their conclusion, the excitement continues to build. With record-breaking performances, fierce competition, and outstanding sportsmanship, Day 15 has turned out to be one of the most unforgettable days of the tournament.
