Odisha Wins Girls’ Kho-Kho Gold; Maharashtra’s Aditi Hegde Takes Medal Tally to Seven

Odisha claimed the girls’ kho-kho gold medal on the sixth day of the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, defeating a strong Maharashtra side in a thrilling final held at the BIPARD Sports Complex in Gaya.

The Odisha girls delivered a spirited performance to outplay the favourites and secure the top podium spot, adding to the state’s growing medal tally. In the boys’ kho-kho category, Odisha also made a mark by clinching the silver medal.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra’s swimming sensation Aditi Satish Hegde continued her dominant run in the pool by adding a bronze in the 1500m freestyle event to her collection. The medal brings her total to an impressive seven in this edition of the Games, cementing her position as one of the standout athletes of the tournament.

With competition heating up across disciplines, the Khelo India Youth Games are showcasing emerging talent from across the nation, with states like Odisha and Maharashtra leading the charge in traditional and aquatic sports alike.

Officials praised the performances and highlighted the role of grassroots training and state-level investment in nurturing young sporting talent.