Daijiworld Media Network – Diu
Diu, May 22: In a remarkable display of endurance and grit, Maharashtra’s Diksha Yadav scripted history at the inaugural Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2025, clinching double gold in open sea swimming on Thursday, May 22. The 19-year-old swimmer outpaced her rivals in both the 10km and 5km events held at the scenic Ghoghla Beach in Diu.
Taking on the challenging waters of the Arabian Sea for the very first time, Diksha clocked 1 hour, 10 minutes and 12 seconds to emerge victorious in the women’s 5km open swim, narrowly edging out compatriot Purva Gawade and Karnataka’s Aasra R Sudhir, who finished second and third respectively.
A native of Maharashtra, Diksha began her swimming journey in class 10 and currently trains at the prestigious Balewadi Stadium in Pune. With just two years of open water experience under her belt, Diksha is already making waves at the national level.
Speaking to reporters post her victory, an elated Diksha said, “The double gold at KIBG 2025 is a reflection of all the hard work and practice I’ve put in. The conditions were favourable today, and it feels great to win against the odds.”
She also credited her inspiration to American swimming legend Katie Ledecky, and expressed hope of qualifying for international championships later this year. “This platform will help a lot going forward. I want to win for India at the World Championships,” she added.
Meanwhile, in the men’s 5km open swim, Karnataka’s Drupad Ramakrishna, a class 10 student, topped the podium with a time of 1 hour, 6 minutes and 46 seconds. The 15-year-old, who trains at Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre, Bengaluru, showcased exceptional stamina and sea adaptation skills.
“This is just the beginning. I am hungry for more. At our centre, we train rigorously to prepare for open sea conditions. Competing here felt like home—just with more waves,” Drupad remarked confidently.
Official results – 5km open sea swimming
Men:
1. Drupad Ramakrishna (Karnataka) – 1:06:46
2. Gundu Vishnu Vardhan (Telangana) – 1:06:58
3. Hemanth A (Tamil Nadu) – 1:07:41
Women:
1. Diksha Yadav (Maharashtra) – 1:10:12
2. Purva Gawade (Maharashtra) – 1:10:25
3. Aasra R Sudhir (Karnataka) – 1:10:29
With performances like these, the Khelo India Beach Games 2025 has not only showcased raw talent but also reaffirmed India’s rising potential in aquatic sports.