Minj wins 200m in record time

Gumla: Jharkhand lad Shaket Minj brought laurel to the state by clinching the 200m gold in record time at the ongoing Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in Patna on Wednesday. Minj, who came fourth in the 400m event, made a strong comeback to win the gold with a timing of 21.54 seconds.

Jharkhand boys' team clinched gold defeating Odisha 7-6 via sudden death in Begusarai on Wednesday evening. For the first time Jharkhand emerged victorious in the prestigious meet. Last time they finished third to bag the bronze medal.

Youngster Minj made his national debut at National Junior Athletics Championship in Guwahati in 2022, where he was ranked fourth. In 2023, he participated in inter-district athletics championships held in Patna representing Gumla district.

"I participated in the 200m category at Khelo India Youth Games but my favourite category is 400 metre," a jubilant Minj told TOI before receiving his medal.

He emerged fastest among eight competitors from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Bihar.

Led by Ramesh Khoya, the Jharkhand footballers dominated the proceedings trying to take the game to their the opponents, but after full time both sides were locked on 2 goals each.

Manish Hembram scored the opener for Jharkhand in the 17th minute while Dasmat Mardi netted the second in 52nd minute. As the game was tied 2-2, it went to the tie-breaker. In the penalty shootout, Jamdar Kalotoyia and Manish converted their attempts while the 3rd chance was missed out. Thereafter, Prit Sona and Balbir Oraon scored from the spot. But the winner in the sudden death came through their captain Khoya.

"Jharkhand played with 10 players as Akash Gagrai was shown red card," said coach Rizwan.

"We got only a four-day camp. Such camp should be longer for at least one month in order to allow time to the coaches to understand the players. To improve technically and get the team combination right, you need time."