Diu, May 21 (HS): Haryana and Delhi won gold medals by defeating the powerful Manipur team in traditional Sepak Takraw in the women’s and men’s trio team finals, respectively, at the Khelo India Beach Games 2025 on Wednesday.

In the women’s final, Haryana defeated the experienced Manipur team 2-1. Manipur is considered a stronghold of Sepak Takraw in India. Led by 20-year-old captain Monica, Haryana’s women’s Sepak Takraw team delivered a performance full of enthusiasm and youthful energy to achieve the top honor.

After the match, Monica said, I am very happy to achieve this victory for the team and win the gold medal. We knew they were strong, but we did not lose our dominance. She credited the rigorous outdoor practice sessions held in cities like Charkhi Dadri, Bhiwani, and Rohtak for their win. She said, We train on outdoor grounds, which helped us adapt to the surface of the beach. This platform will greatly boost us.

In the men’s category, Delhi defeated Manipur 2-1 in an exciting final. Delhi team captain, 35-year-old Sandeep Kumar, explained how sudden changes in conditions played a crucial role.

Practicing with the team near Majnu Ka Tila by the banks of the Yamuna River in the national capital, Sandeep said, We lost the first regulation before the rain, but the weather turned in our favor. He said, Khelo India Beach Games is a great opportunity. We came with a clear goal of winning gold. Manipur has always been a strong opponent, but we are also strong. Both teams have shared several gold medals at the national level. For Manipur, the two upsets meant two silver medals. Nagaland and Uttar Pradesh won bronze medals in the women’s event, while Assam and Tamil Nadu won bronze medals in the men’s event.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar