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Key Points

Odisha canoeist Rasmita Sahoo described speaking with PM Modi as a career-defining moment. The 23-year-old gold medalist said the interaction felt great and was a proud moment for her entire village. Her coach emphasized that Sahoo comes from a very poor family, making her achievement even more inspirational. The athlete's success results from years of hard work training in canoeing.

Key Points: Odisha Canoeist Rasmita Sahoo Shares Proud Moment With PM Modi

  • Rasmita Sahoo won gold at Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025
  • She hails from a very poor family in Odisha according to her coach
  • Coach says her PM interaction inspires budding athletes nationwide
  • Sahoo previously won medals at National Games in Uttarakhand
2 min read

We have to perform for the nation: Rasmita Sahoo shares 'proud moment' after interaction with PM Modi

Gold medalist Rasmita Sahoo from Odisha describes her inspiring interaction with PM Modi on Mann Ki Baat, calling it a proud moment for her village and family.

"We are sportspersons. We have to perform for the nation - Rasmita Sahoo"

Cuttack, August 31

For Rasmita Sahoo, a 23-year-old canoeist from Odisha, Sunday brought a career-defining moment as she spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 125th edition of 'Mann Ki Baat' programme.

Sahoo, who won a gold medal in the women's 200-metre canoe singles at the country's first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025, held at the scenic Dal Lake in Srinagar, said the interaction was a proud moment for her, her family, and her village.

"I am a kayaking-canoeing player...I spoke with the Prime Minister. It felt great. I was surprised to be speaking with him. It was a proud moment for me, my coach, my family and my village...I am delighted to have spoken to him...We are sportspersons. We have to perform for the nation," Sahoo told ANI.

Her coach, Laisharam Johnson Singh, said Sahoo hails from a very poor family. "Rasmita Sahoo spoke with the PM. It felt great. It was a moment of pride for the Centre as well. This is inspirational even for budding athletes...Rasmita Sahoo hails from a very poor family. She could speak with the PM today, which is a matter of great pride. So, I would like to give a message that every child should work hard and reach a milestone just like she has reached," Singh said.

Sahoo's gold medal came after she clocked 53.53 seconds, finishing ahead of athletes from Kerala and Madhya Pradesh. The feat was the result of years of hard work and training.

At the last National Games held in Uttarakhand, she won a silver in women's canoe doubles and a bronze in women's canoe singles. Earlier, she had won gold in women's canoe singles event in Bhopal.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Odisha is producing so many sports talents these days! So proud of Rasmita. Her journey from a poor family to national champion shows what determination can achieve. More power to her!
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the recognition, I hope this interaction leads to better sports infrastructure in smaller towns. Many talents like Rasmita need proper facilities to excel.
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Sarah B
Wonderful to see water sports getting recognition! Dal Lake in Srinagar hosting national events is great for tourism and sports development. Congratulations Rasmita! 🚣‍♀️
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Vikram M
"We have to perform for the nation" - what a beautiful sentiment! This is the kind of sporting spirit we need. Hope she gets more opportunities to represent India internationally.
N
Nisha Z
Her coach deserves equal credit! It's heartwarming to see mentors who support athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds. Together they're making India proud 🌟

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