Port Blair: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have added another feather to their sporting cap, with young paddlers P. Sasi Kiran and Rishika Kumari Ekka clinching a bronze medal at the prestigious 36th National Canoe Sprint Junior Men & Women and Sub-Junior Boys & Girls Championships held at Sendh Lake in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
Representing the Islands against some of the country’s finest young canoeists, the duo delivered a spirited performance to finish third in the highly competitive C-2 Mixed Junior 500-metre event, bringing national recognition to the Union Territory’s growing sporting talent. The championship, conducted from June 12 to 14, witnessed participation from athletes representing States and Union Territories from across India. Undeterred by stiff competition, Sasi Kiran and Rishika displayed remarkable coordination, endurance and determination to secure a coveted place on the podium.
Their achievement is being hailed as a significant milestone for canoeing in the Islands and a reflection of the steady progress being made by local athletes on the national stage. The medal-winning performance also underscores the role of systematic training and dedicated coaching in nurturing sporting excellence among Island youth.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) Training Centre, Sri Vijaya Puram, congratulated the young athletes on their success and commended the efforts of their coach, Shri Karma Toppo, whose guidance played a crucial role in the duo’s achievement.
The bronze medal victory not only brings pride to the Islands but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring sportspersons, proving that talent from the remotest corners of the country can shine brightly on the national stage.
