India’s athletics contingent made the nation proud at the World University Games 2025 held in Germany’s Rhine-Ruhr region, with Odisha sprinters Animesh Kujur, Lalu Prasad Bhoi, and Dondapati Jayram playing a crucial role in securing a bronze medal in the Men’s 4x100 metre relay event. The trio, alongside Services athlete Manikanta Hobildar, delivered a powerful performance on Sunday, finishing third behind South Korea and South Africa to earn India a place on the podium. Animesh Kujur, 22, Lalu Prasad Bhoi, 21, and 20-year-old Dondapati Jayram, all hailing from Odisha, displayed exceptional speed and teamwork in the high-pressure relay final. Their synchronized effort and athletic prowess ensured that India finished with a respectable timing, securing the bronze medal in a competitive field. Their performance is being hailed as a significant achievement not only for Indian athletics but also for Odisha’s rising reputation in sprinting and track events.

India’s success at the World University Games extended beyond the 4x100m relay. The country’s athletes bagged a total of 12 medals, comprising 2 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze. In track and field, India added three silver medals to the tally. Ankita Dhyani earned silver in the Women’s 3000m Steeplechase with a determined run, while Seema brought home silver in the Women’s 5000m. In the Men’s Triple Jump event, Praveen Chithravel delivered an outstanding performance to claim another silver medal for the nation. India’s two gold medals at the Games came from the archery events. Sahil Rajesh Jadhav showcased his skill and composure to win the gold in the Men’s Individual Compound event. In the Mixed Team Compound archery category, the pair of Parneet Kaur and Kushal Dalal emerged victorious, securing the top podium spot for the country.

The World University Games 2025 marked a strong performance by Indian athletes, highlighting the nation’s growing strength across a range of disciplines. The contribution of young athletes from Odisha, particularly in sprinting, was a standout element of India’s campaign. The bronze medal win by Kujur, Bhoi, Jayram, and Hobildar is expected to inspire more youth from Odisha and across the country to pursue athletics at the international level.