Bhubaneswar: A 11-member Odisha Para Athletics team won 18 medals, including 8 Gold, 6 Silver & 4 Bronze medals in the 8th Indian Open Para Athletics International Championship held from 26-28 May at Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru. 

This prestigious international championship, organized by the Paralympic Committee of India and approved by World Para Athletics, served as the final selection trial for the upcoming Asian Para Games 2026 in Nagoya, Japan.

Odisha’s major medal winners are Kamalakanta Nayak (2 Gold Medals & 1 Bronze Medal), Janaki Oram (2 Gold Medals & 1 Silver Medal), Swastik Sahoo (1 Gold Medal & 2 Bronze Medals) and Suchitra Parida ( 1 Gold Medal in Women’s F56 Javelin Throw with a Personal Best performance of 19.06m).

Other medal winners included Mohan Sahu, Jayanti Behera, Jadunath Majhi, Jayaprakash Barik and Kunilata Barik.

The Para Sports Association of Odisha congratulates all athletes, guide runners and coaches for their dedication, hard work, and commitment behind this grand success.

PSAO also expresses sincere gratitude to the Department of Sports & Youth Services, Government of Odisha, for organizing a 24-day preparation camp at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, which greatly contributed to the athletes’ performances.

On this occasion, PSAO President Kamala Kanta Rath requested the Odisha Government to provide equal support and improved hostel facilities for Para Athletics and normal athletics at Kalinga Stadium to ensure continuous growth and long-term development of Paralympic Sports in Odisha. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening district-level Para Sports development programs across the state.