Odisha’s young athletes continued to shine at the 40th National Junior Athletics Championships held at Kalinga Stadium, with multiple medals on the board. On the second day of the championship, Alokika Swain, a 16-year-old javelin thrower from Jajatsinghpur, clinched a bronze medal in the U-18 Girls’ Javelin event. Alokika showcased her strength and technique with a best throw of 47.56 metres, finishing third amidst stiff national competition. The state had already made a strong start on Day 1, securing two silver medals. Pratik Maharana, an 18-year-old sprinter, earned silver in the U-20 Men’s 100m race, clocking an impressive 10.72 seconds. Pratik now eyes the 200m race and relay events, aiming to convert his silver into gold and further enhance Odisha’s medal tally.

Another highlight from Day 1 was Chhabindra Behera, a 13-year-old triathlete from Keonjhar, who secured silver in the U-14 Boys’ Triathlon B event. Chhabindra’s achievement marks him as a promising talent in multi-discipline sports, adding to Odisha’s growing reputation in nurturing young athletes across varied events. With Alokika’s bronze joining the silvers from Pratik and Chhabindra, Odisha’s contingent is off to a strong start at the five-day national meet, which draws top junior athletes from across India. The championship continues to provide a platform for young sportspersons to showcase their talent, gain national exposure, and prepare for higher-level competitions in athletics.