Women sprinters Jayanti Behera and Janaki Oram won the first two gold medals for host Odisha in the 24th National Para Athletics Championship, which commenced at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar today. The host State secured a total of five medals, including one silver and two bronze on the opening day.

Jayanti clinched the gold medal in the womens 100m T47 event with an impressive timing of 13.17 seconds, showcasing excellent speed and determination. This was the first National medal for ace para sprinter after getting married to Somnath Barik on 26 November 2025.

Janaki delivered a standout performance to win the gold medal in the womens 100m T12 category, clocking 13.81 seconds, marking one of the key highlights of the day. Kabita Prabahue earned the only silver medal of the day for Odisha in the womens 100m T13 event, finishing with a timing of 16.05 seconds.

The two bronze medals for Odisha were captured by Ranjit Chanda and Kamalakanta Nayak. Chanda did it in the mens javelin throw F46 event with a throw of 55.55 meters. Nayak won the medal in the mens 100m T53 event with a timing of 20.81 seconds.
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PHOTO: Odisha woman para sprinter Jayanti Behera poses with her gold medal at the 24th National Para Athletics Championship in Bhubaneswar on 19 March 2026.