Nabarangpur, 19th Nov 2025: Jagannath, who is 90Percent visually impaired, has brought pride to the district by winning a gold medal in the Senior Division State-Level Para Athletics competition for the year 2025-26, held in October. Around 200 athletes from across the state participated in this competition held at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, according to Jagannath.
Earlier, Jagannath played as an all-rounder in the Koraput cricket team, helping his team win the championship nine times. In addition, he had won a bronze medal in the 400-meter race in the state-level para athletics for the year 2024-25.
Jagannath, a talented athlete, has brought honor to the district while also excelling in academics. He is a third-year student at Jaipur Vikramadeva College, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Odia (Honors). Inspired by his family, Jagannath lives with his parents and two younger siblings in Patia Guda village, under Ratakhundi Gram Panchayat, Jharigam block. Born into a poor family, his mother Chanchala Santa and father Udhan Santa are farmers.
Currently, Jagannath is preparing for the next state-level athletics competition in December to win another medal. Upon his return to Nabarangpur after winning the gold medal, District Chairperson Sujit Rath and District Collector E. Suresh Shastri welcomed and felicitated him. His determination and achievements have served as an inspiration for others.
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