Leh, Feb 03: The Khelo India Winter Games 2024 witnessed a dazzling display of skill as speed skater Varsha Puranik secured gold in the women’s over-17 300m short track race, reaffirming her status as a dominant force in international skating. Varsha’s Karnataka teammate, Akash Aradhya, also made waves with his second individual gold in the men’s over-17 short track (500m) final at the NDS Stadium in Leh.
Karnataka emerged as frontrunners in the short-form skating competition, securing three gold medals out of the five awarded so far and claiming the top spot in the overall medal tally. Telangana celebrated its inaugural gold as Naiyanashri Tallur triumphed in the women’s under-17 short track (300m) final, showcasing the rising talent from the plains transitioning from roller skating to ice skating.
Varsha Puranik, at 37, continues to dominate her category with a wealth of international experience dating back to 2001. Her start-to-finish victory in the 300m race, clocking an impressive 39.81 seconds, marked a highlight of the day. Expressing gratitude, Varsha, a microbiologist by profession, thanked the Ice Skating Association of India, Khelo India, and UT Ladakh for their support and top-notch facilities.
Akash Aradhya’s triumph in the men’s event further solidified Karnataka’s position. Aradhya, with a time of 54.91 seconds, out-sprinted Suyog Tapkir of Maharashtra, showcasing his prowess and international experience.
The ice-hockey competition on the second day featured dominant performances from top-seeded teams, with ITBP, Army, and Ladakh showcasing their supremacy. Notable victories included ITBP’s 13-0 win against Haryana, Army’s staggering 24-0 triumph over Rajasthan, and UT-Ladakh’s 13-0 victory against Maharashtra in the men’s category. In the sole women’s round-robin match, ITBP asserted their dominance with a 19-0 win over Telangana.
The Khelo India Winter Games 2024 continue to captivate audiences with exceptional displays of talent, emphasizing the growth and recognition of winter sports in India.
