Haldwani, Feb 2 (PTI) – Paris Olympian Srihari Nataraj and teenage sensation Dhinidhi Desinghu continued Karnataka’s dominance in the 38th National Games swimming events, both securing their fifth gold medals. Nataraj, 24, clinched the men’s 100m backstroke gold with a time of 56.26 seconds, narrowly edging out teammate Akash (56.36s). Maharashtra’s Rishabh took home the bronze with a time of 56.80s.
With this victory, Nataraj’s medal tally at the Games now stands at six, including earlier golds in the 200m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle relay, 4x100m freestyle relay medley, and 4x200m freestyle relay, along with a silver in 50m freestyle.
In the women’s 50m butterfly, Karnataka’s Nina Venkatesh took gold with a 28.38-second finish, while her formidable teammate Dhinidhi Desinghu had to settle for silver at 28.80 seconds. Maharashtra’s Rujuta secured the bronze in 29.12 seconds. Despite missing out on gold, Desinghu has amassed an impressive seven medals, including five golds (200m freestyle, 100m butterfly, 4x100m freestyle relay, 50m freestyle, and 4x200m freestyle relay) and one bronze (4x100m medley relay).
National Record by Tamil Nadu’s Benedicton
Tamil Nadu’s Benedicton A stole the spotlight in the men’s 50m butterfly, setting a new national record with a blistering time of 24.39 seconds. Maharashtra’s Mihir followed with silver (25.02s), while Haryana’s Harsh secured bronze (25.22s).Delhi Secures Two Gold Medals
Delhi also had a strong outing, clinching two gold medals.- Bhavya Sachdeva dominated the women’s 1500m freestyle, finishing in 17:42.81. Karnataka’s Aditi (18:11.92) and Shirin (18:14.98) took silver and bronze, respectively.
- Kushagra Rawat powered through in the men’s 400m freestyle, clocking 3:57.89 to claim gold. Karnataka’s Aneesh took silver with 4:00.45, while Gujarat’s Aryan Nehra finished with bronze at 4:02.60.
West Bengal and Maharashtra Also on the Medal Board
West Bengal’s Soubrity Mondal emerged victorious in the women’s 100m backstroke, clocking 1:06.66 to secure gold. Maharashtra’s Pratishta (1:07.52) and Odisha’s Pratyasa (1:07.77) took silver and bronze, respectively.With Karnataka leading the swimming events, the competition remains fierce as Delhi, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu continue their push for podium finishes.
