Can Harshita Jakhar's Double Gold Propel Rajasthan to Glory in KIYG 2025?

Patna, May 6 (NationPress) Rajasthan's endurance cyclist Harshita Jakhar, recognized as a promising talent under the Target Asian Games Group Scheme following her impressive performance in the Asian Junior Championships, clinched a remarkable double gold at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in Bihar on Tuesday. This achievement placed her alongside Maharashtra's swimmer Aditi Satish Hegde in the spotlight.

Harshita's victories in the Scratch Race and Time Trial (500m), along with her cousin Aditya Jakhar's triumph in the boys' Scratch Race and Mayank Chaudhary's gold in the 10m Air Pistol event, have propelled Rajasthan to the pinnacle of the medal standings with a total of six golds and two silvers at the time of reporting. Karnataka (5 golds, 9 silvers, 3 bronzes) and Maharashtra (5 golds, 6 silvers, 9 bronzes) are closely chasing.

Suhani Kumari shone for Bihar, helping host State earn its first medals with two silvers in the velodrome at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Complex in New Delhi. She secured a silver in the Scratch Race (7.5km), finishing just shy of Harshita Jakhar's time.

Originating from Saran district, Suhani partnered with fellow Khelo India athletes Amrita Kumari and Shalini Kumari in the Team Sprint (3 laps), but they couldn't outpace the Jharkhand team led by Sabina Kumari, who claimed gold by a narrow margin of only 1.323 seconds.

Unquestionably, Harshita Jakhar was the day's standout performer. Having been selected for support under the TAGG Scheme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, she emerged as the formidable competitor in the cycling events. Her ability to manage pressure and deliver exceptional performances was truly commendable.

Harshita dominated the Scratch Race, a challenging 7.5km event, clocking 11.50.973 and surpassing Suhani Kumari (11.51.558) and Akanksha Mhetre from Maharashtra (11.51.649). She later triumphed in the Time Trial (500m), finishing ahead of Akanksha Mhatre (Maharashtra) and S Thabitha from Tamil Nadu.

Aditi Satish Hegde, who had already won gold in the 800m Freestyle on Monday, added to her accolades by clinching the 400m Freestyle (4:32.87) and the 100m Butterfly (1:04.73) on Tuesday.

Telangana also had a fruitful day at the BIPARD swimming pool in Gaya, securing three gold medals through Varshith Dhulipidi (boys 400m Individual Medley), Suhas Preetham Mylari (boys 100m Backstroke), and Sri Nithya Sagi (girls 100m Backstroke).

In Judo, Gujarat's Divya Makwana (44kg class) and Khusbu Darjada (57kg) achieved the state's first gold medals, marking Gujarat's rise as a noteworthy contender in the sport. Makwana defeated Rahi Ghelani in an all-Gujarat final, while Chandan Kumar Senma claimed bronze in the boys' 55kg category.

Meanwhile, Harshit's seamless victory in the boys' Judo 73kg category provided Haryana with a sigh of relief, as they finally entered the ranks of states with gold medals in the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 Bihar. Known for their dominance in Khelo India events, Haryana's athletes have so far secured two silvers and a bronze in this edition.