Om Prakash Behera, Puspabati Kisku emerge champions at Ravenshaw University Athletic Meet

Cuttack: Om Prakash Behera (UG 3rd Year) and Puspabati Kisku (UG 1st Year) were crowned men’s and women’s champions respectively at the 19th Annual Athletic Meet 2025-26 of Ravenshaw University, held here on February 9 and 10.

In the men’s events, Om Prakash Behera delivered a stellar performance, winning gold in the 100m, 400m and 100m hurdles, while also finishing second in the 200m. Sashi Bhusan Dalei (UG 1st Year) clinched gold in the 200m and secured second place in both the 100m and 400m races.

Deepu Kisku (PG 2nd Year) dominated the middle and long-distance races, winning the 800m, 1500m and 5000m events. He was followed by Samaja Sirika (UG 3rd Year) and Sachin Hesa (UG 2nd Year), who secured podium finishes in multiple distance events.

In field events, Subham Nayak (UG 2nd Year) won gold in high jump, while Ananta Hembram (UG 2nd Year) topped the long jump. Ashish Roshan Dungdung (PG 2nd Year) bagged first place in both shot put and discus throw. Arjuna Kirsani (UG 2nd Year) won the javelin throw.

The 4x100m relay title in the men’s category was claimed by the UG 1st Year team comprising Abhishek Badi, Chandra Mohan Naik, Gurudayal Sahu and Sashi Bhusan Dalei.

In the women’s section, Puspabati Kisku emerged as the standout performer. She won gold in the 100m hurdles, high jump, long jump and discus throw. Ambika Golari (UG 2nd Year) impressed in track events, winning the 400m, 800m and 1500m races, while also finishing second in the 100m hurdles.

Kaushalya Majhi (UG 2nd Year) secured first place in the 100m sprint and javelin throw, and finished second in the 200m and third in long jump. Sruti Prabha Behera (UG 3rd Year) won the 200m and secured podium finishes in the 100m and 100m hurdles.

Sandhyarani Sahod (UG 3rd Year) won the shot put event, while Nikita Dungdung (UG 2nd Year) finished second in high jump and discus throw, and was part of the winning 4x100m relay team. The women’s relay gold went to the UG 2nd Year team comprising Kaushalya Majhi, Nikita Dungdung, Subhashree Behera and Ambika Golari.

The closing ceremony was held at the University Athletic Ground on February 10. Prof. Dharmabrata Mohapatra, vice-chancellor (in-charge), presided over the event. Former international cricketer and Ravenshaw alumnus (1990-1995) Sanjay Roul attended as chief guest and was honoured with the ‘Ravenshaw Blue’ in cricket.

Dr Anjan Kumar Khuntia, physical education officer, conducted the meet, while Mahesh Kumar Malla, Kalinga Kumar Das and Laxmipriya Rout coordinated the event. Members of the university faculty were present. The Ravenshaw Students’ Sports Committee also organised cultural programmes and a food court as part of the celebrations.