New Delhi: In yet another athletic triumph, Odisha\u2019s para athletes shone at the ongoing inaugural edition of Khelo India Para Games.<\/p>\n
Jayanti Behera and Pankaj Bhue secured gold medals in the Women\u2019s 100m run (T47) and Men\u2019s 100m run (T13) respectively while Mangat Hemram won bronze at the Men\u2019s 100m run (T13) as well to register Odisha\u2019s first medals of the competition.<\/p>\n
Pankaj Bhue clocked an impressive time of 12.41 seconds to finish first while his peer Mangat Hemram narrowly missed the silver medal, finishing 0.1 seconds behind Himachal Pradesh\u2019s Avnil Kumar, with a time of 12.63 seconds. Meanwhile Jayanti Behera finished first in the Women\u2019s 100m run (T47) with a timing of 13.40 seconds.<\/p>\n
Following the victory, Jayanti Behera expressed her delight on the victory and extended her gratitude to Odisha for encouraging and supporting her journey. \u201cI feel immense pride to represent my state and win a gold medal for them. I am grateful to Odisha for supporting and empowering para-athletes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Congratulating the para-athletes on their success, Sports Secretary Vineel Krishna said, \u201cThis is a significant moment for para-athletics in Odisha as we have won our first set of medals at the inaugural edition of the Khelo India Para Games. We would like to extend our congratulations to Jayanti Behera, Pankaj Bhue and Mangat Hemram for adding to Odisha\u2019s rich legacy of producing some of India\u2019s finest para-athletes. I am certain they will serve as an inspiration to us all.\u201d<\/p>\n
Notably, Odisha\u2019s has sent a 15-member contingent for the Khelo India Para Games, including Paralympic and Asian Games Champion Pramod Bhagat. Odisha is competing in Para Powerlifting, Para Badminton and Para Athletics.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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