Srinagar, Aug 22 (JKNS): From the banks of Mahanadi river to the shimmering waters of Dal Lake, Odisha’s 23-year-old canoeist Rasmita Sahoo has turned tragedy into triumph, clinching gold in the women’s 200-metre canoe singles at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025.
As per news agency JKNS, Clocking 53.53 seconds, Rasmita outpaced competitors from Kerala and Madhya Pradesh to stand tall at Dal Lake, a venue that witnessed her remarkable story of grit and survival unfold.
Hailing from a humble fishing family in Choudwar, Cuttack, Rasmita’s life was torn apart by two road accidents—her father critically injured in 2011 and her mother tragically killed in 2015. “Those moments broke us completely,” she recalled, but a friend’s advice to join the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Jagatpur changed her destiny.
The shack she once called home is now a memory. Rasmita, who fetched medals in National Games before, is today a police officer in Odisha, proudly supporting her family of four. “Water sports gave me a livelihood and dignity. Now I’m building a home for my family,” she said, her voice filled with pride.
She credits her coach, Laishram Johanson Singh, for supporting her when she had no money to travel or maintain her diet. “He paid from his pocket so that I could compete and grow,” she told JKNS.
Having secured gold in Srinagar, Rasmita’s sights are firmly set on the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. “I want to represent India and bring home an international medal. Even if it means training in crocodile-infested waters or facing fierce river currents, I will give my best,” she vowed.
Thrilled with her Kashmiri debut, Rasmita said, “The weather, the food, and the hospitality have been heartwarming. Adjusting to high altitude was a challenge, but competing here has been a dream.”
Coach Johanson, who has mentored her since 2020, expressed confidence in her future. “She has grown from strength to strength since the 2018 Special Area Games. I expect her to win at the Asian Games too,” he said.
The ongoing Khelo India Water Sports Festival, being held from August 21–23 at Dal Lake, features rowing, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, shikara race, and dragon boat race. With 36 states and UTs participating, this open-age competition marks another milestone for Kashmir after the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg. (JKNS)
