In a stunning display of talent and determination, young Goan swimmer Purvi Ritesh Naik saved her finest performance for the final event, securing a coveted gold medal in the 100m freestyle (Under-14 category) at the National School Games aquatics championship. The event concluded in New Delhi on Tuesday, marking a significant achievement for the rising star.
A Hat-Trick of Medals for the Rising Star
This victory adds a golden sheen to Purvi's already impressive haul at the National School Games. She had previously won a silver medal in the 200m freestyle and a bronze in the 400m freestyle. However, it was in the 100m freestyle where she truly shone, clocking her personal best time of 1:03 seconds to clinch the top spot on the podium. This triumph means she now holds three medals from the prestigious national competition.
The 12-year-old athlete is a student at St. John of the Cross High School in Sanquelim, Goa. She hones her skills at the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence under the guidance of coach Sujith TA. Her recent success builds upon a remarkable performance last year at the 40th Sub-Junior National Aquatic Championship 2024 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, where she surprised many by winning four medals.
At that championship in Bhubaneswar, the swimmer from Harvalem, Sanquelim, bagged a gold in the 50m freestyle, two silver medals in the 400m and 100m freestyle events, and a bronze in the 200m freestyle.
Goa's Pride: Other Medal Winners from the State
The National School Games in Delhi saw several other athletes from Goa making their mark. Pooja Tukaram Rawool secured a bronze medal in the 200m freestyle event. Meanwhile, Aarohi Nilesh Borde turned heads with a stellar performance, winning a silver medal in the highly competitive 200m butterfly event. Aarohi, a student of Sharada Mandir School in Miramar, is competing in the under-17 category for the first time this year.
Official Recognition and Future Support
Ajay Gaude, the director of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs (DSYA), extended his congratulations to the athletes and their coaches. He highlighted the role of the Khelo India Centre of Excellence in nurturing this talent. "This is a great achievement from the Khelo India Centre of Excellence," Gaude stated, praising the efforts of coach Sujith and high-performance director Sumith MR.
He emphasized the hard work of the head coach and expressed pride on behalf of the DSYA and the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG). Gaude also acknowledged the instrumental support from the chief minister and the sports minister, which has created an environment where athletes can excel.
In a move to celebrate these accomplishments, the director announced that all swimmers who won medals at the National School Games will be formally felicitated. "This is a proud moment for all of us and a proud moment for the state, their parents," Gaude said. "We will surely ensure that the right kind of felicitation is given to these athletes, so that their morale and energy remains high. They have made all of us proud."
