KIBG 2025: Maharashtra’s Diksha Yadav Strikes Double Gold in Open Sea Swimming

Diu: Maharashtra’s Diksha Yadav delivered a commanding performance at the inaugural Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2025, clinching gold medals in both the 10km and 5km Open Sea Swimming events held at Ghoghla Beach on Thursday morning.

The 19-year-old endurance swimmer has quickly made a name for herself in open water events, despite it being only her second year in the discipline. Inspired by American swimming legend Katie Ledecky, Diksha began her journey in long-distance swimming while she was in Class 10, training at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune.

"Winning double gold at KIBG 2025 is a result of the intense training and effort I’ve put in," Diksha said after her 5km victory, which she completed in 1 hour, 10 minutes, and 12 seconds.

The KIBG marked her first competitive experience in the Arabian Sea, which she described as calm and manageable.

"This platform is a great stepping stone. My goal now is to qualify for international events and bring home a medal for India in the open water swimming category at the World Championships," she added.

In the men’s 5km open swim, Karnataka’s Drupad Ramakrishna emerged victorious with a time of 1 hour, 6 minutes, and 46 seconds. At just 15 years old and a Class 10 student, Drupad already has his eyes set on greater achievements.

"This medal is just the beginning. I have a lot more to accomplish. At the Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre in Bangalore, we regularly train for one to two hours to simulate sea conditions. The only big difference here is the presence of stronger waves," said the young swimmer.

Results – 5km Open Sea Swimming:
Men:
???? 1st: Drupad Ramakrishna (Karnataka) – 1:06:46
???? 2nd: Gundu Vishnu Vardhan (Telangana) – 1:06:58
???? 3rd: Hemanth A (Tamil Nadu) – 1:07:41

Women:
???? 1st: Diksha Yadav (Maharashtra) – 1:10:12
???? 2nd: Purva Gawade (Maharashtra) – 1:10:25
???? 3rd: Aasra R Sudhir (Karnataka) – 1:10:29

With inputs from IANS