Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the remarkable achievements of Harshvardhan Sahu, a young weightlifter from Odisha, for his outstanding performance at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025. The Prime Minister acknowledged Sahu's gold medal victory and the setting of two national youth records during his recent "Mann Ki Baat" radio address.
During the 122nd edition of "Mann Ki Baat," Modi praised the recently concluded Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) as a resounding success, highlighting the exceptional talent displayed by over 5,000 athletes. He specifically mentioned the impressive performances in weightlifting, recognizing Asmita Dhone of Maharashtra, Tushar Chaudhary of Uttar Pradesh, and Harshvardhan Sahu of Odisha, stating that their brilliance had captured the hearts of everyone.
Harshvardhan Sahu, an 18-year-old weightlifter training under the Sports Authority of India (SAI) at NIS Patiala, demonstrated exceptional skill and determination at the KIYG 2025. He lifted 88kg in snatch and set a new national youth record of 115kg in clean & jerk, culminating in a total of 203kg. This remarkable feat broke the previous record of 202kg, previously held by Babulal Hembrom of Jharkhand. Sahu's record-breaking performance secured him the gold medal in the highly competitive 49kg weight class.
Sahu hails from the Gajapati district of Odisha. His journey to success at the Khelo India Youth Games serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the nation.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged that a total of 26 records were made at the Khelo India Youth Games this time. He further emphasized the significance of the Khelo India Games in nurturing young talent and fostering a sporting spirit. He lauded Bihar for hosting the games and extending warmth and hospitality. He congratulated medal winners and highlighted that the event was broadcast globally through the Olympic Channel, showcasing the talent of India's youth to the world.
Beyond Harshvardhan Sahu's achievements, the Prime Minister touched upon broader national themes during his address. In his first address post 'Operation Sindoor', he underscored the unity of the country against terrorism and the spirit of self-reliance. He commended the armed forces for their valor and the success of indigenous weapons during the operation.
The Khelo India Youth Games serve as a platform for young athletes from across the country to showcase their talent and compete at a national level. The games aim to promote sports at the grassroots level and encourage youth to pursue their sporting dreams. These games play a vital role in identifying and nurturing future stars who can represent India on the global stage.
