Did Maharashtra Dominate Athletics at KIYG 2025? Bihar's Khushi Yadav Takes the 2000m Steeplechase Gold!

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra topped the athletics medal tally.
- Khushi Yadav won gold in the 2000m Steeplechase for Bihar.
- New meet records were established by several athletes.
- Bihar faced a disqualification in the boys' 4x400m relay.
- Haryana girls claimed gold in the 4x400m relay.
Patna (Bihar), May 14 (NationPress) On the concluding day of the athletics events at the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025, held at the Patliputra Sports Complex, Saket Minj from Jharkhand, Shekh Zeeshan from Uttar Pradesh, and the Haryana girls' 4x400m relay team set new meet records.
Maharashtra topped the athletics medal tally with a remarkable collection of 10 golds, 1 silver, and 2 bronzes. Meanwhile, Haryana led in total medals with 19, comprising 6 golds, 6 silvers, and 7 bronzes. Following closely was Tamil Nadu, which secured 6 golds, 6 silvers, and 6 bronzes.
Saket Minj, who finished fourth in the boys' 400m, clinched gold in the 200m with a time of 21.54 seconds. Shekh Zeeshan achieved gold in the Triple Jump, soaring to a distance of 15.66m. The Haryana girls' relay team shattered the 4x400m meet record, finishing in 3:48.44.
Bihar's Khushi Yadav triumphed in the 2000m Steeplechase, breaking away from her competitors with two laps remaining and finishing with a time of 9:52.10, marking a significant achievement as it was the state's second gold in athletics, following Alka Singh's victory in Shot Put.
In a dramatic turn, Bihar's boys' 4x400m relay team appeared poised for gold but faced disqualification when Raj Sinha fell just before passing the baton to Prasant Singh. This unfortunate incident allowed Tamil Nadu to capitalize on the opportunity.
The girls' relay showcased remarkable performances, with both Haryana and Tamil Nadu finishing below the existing meet record. The Haryana team, consisting of Vansika, Prachi Sharma, Dipika, and Tannu, claimed gold comfortably. However, Maharashtra's team was disqualified due to a baton exchange outside the zone, handing a silver medal to Tamil Nadu's anchor runner Edwina Jason. Edwina previously achieved a unique golden double in the 400m and 800m races, demonstrating exceptional talent.