September 1, 2025: Odisha’s pride, Rashmita Sahu, a promising athlete from Chaudwar-Badabazar and a trainee at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Jagatpur, has brought national recognition to the state by clinching a gold medal at the recently held Khelo India competition in Srinagar (August 1–23, 2025).
ଓଡ଼ିଶାର ରଶ୍ମିତା ସାହୁ ଶ୍ରୀନଗରରେ ଖେଲୋ ଇଣ୍ଡିଆ ଜଳକ୍ରୀଡା ମହୋତ୍ସବ ସମୟରେ ତାଙ୍କର ଅନୁଭୂତି ବାଣ୍ଟିଛନ୍ତି । ସେ ପ୍ରକୃତରେ ଜଣେ ପ୍ରତିଭାବାନ ଖେଳାଳି ଏବଂ କ୍ରୀଡା ପ୍ରତି ତାଙ୍କର ବିଶେଷ ଆଗ୍ରହ ଅଛି । #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/bM5zY2aJzA
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 31, 2025
Rashmita’s extraordinary achievement earned high praise from none other than the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, who featured her inspiring journey in the 125th episode of his radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’. In a heartwarming gesture, the Prime Minister also personally spoke with Rashmita over the phone to commend her perseverance and determination.
“Rashmita’s story is a shining example of grit and discipline. Her success will inspire countless young athletes across the country,” said Prime Minister Modi during the broadcast.
Rashmita, who has been training under Coach Laisram Johnson at the Jagatpur SAI centre since 2017, has previously won multiple medals—including gold, silver, and bronze—in various national-level competitions. Speaking about her interaction with the Prime Minister, Rashmita shared her excitement:
“It was a dream come true to receive words of encouragement from the Prime Minister himself. His call has deeply inspired me to aim higher and continue my journey in water sports with renewed energy.”
Looking ahead, Rashmita expressed her ambition to undergo advanced training in canoeing and water sports, with a goal of representing India and bringing glory to her state at the international level.
Acknowledging the support behind her success, she credited her fellow athletes, Coach Johnson, her father, and her brother for their constant motivation and guidance throughout her athletic career.
Rashmita’s remarkable journey and national recognition have triggered an outpouring of congratulations from across Odisha, as citizens celebrate her as a symbol of resilience, dedication, and the growing sporting spirit of the state.
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