Introduction
The National Games 2025 delivered an electrifying football final as Kerala regains football gold medal after a 28-year-long wait. In an intense match held at Haldwani, Kerala edged past host Uttarakhand with a narrow 1-0 victory.
The decisive moment came in the 53rd minute when S. Gokul netted the match-winning goal, securing Kerala’s place at the top of the podium. This victory marks Kerala’s first gold in men’s football since 1997, breaking a nearly three-decade-long dry spell. Kerala had previously finished runner-up in 2022 and won the bronze medal in Goa in 2023.
However, the match was not without drama. Kerala was reduced to 10 men in the 75th minute after M. Safwan received a red card, making the final stretch even more challenging.
Beyond football, the National Games also showcased remarkable performances in archery and athletics, with top athletes vying for gold. Let’s dive into the details of the standout moments from this year’s competition.
Kerala’s Road to Gold: A Hard-Fought Battle
Key Moments in the Final
- First Half: Both teams played aggressively, but neither managed to break the deadlock.
- 53rd Minute: S. Gokul scored the decisive goal, giving Kerala the lead.
- 75th Minute: Kerala faced a setback as M. Safwan was sent off, leaving them to defend their lead with ten men.
- Final Whistle: Kerala held strong against Uttarakhand’s relentless attacks, securing the gold medal.
A Journey of Resilience
- Kerala last won the National Games football gold in 1997.
- The state finished second in 2022 and took bronze in 2023, showing consistent improvement over the years.
- This historic win cements Kerala’s status as a football powerhouse in Indian sports.
Archery: Dominance in the Indian Round
While football grabbed headlines, the archery events also delivered thrilling performances. In the Indian round competition, Manish from Uttar Pradesh clinched the men’s individual gold, overcoming teammate Subham with a 6-2 victory.
On the women’s side, Manipur’s Laiphrakpam Rojina Devi dominated her category, securing gold after defeating Chandni Sahu (Chhattisgarh) 6-2. Other highlights include:
- Men’s Team Gold: Haryana defeated Uttar Pradesh 5-3.
- Women’s Team Gold: Haryana edged out Manipur 5-3.
- Mixed Team Gold: Maharashtra beat Jharkhand 6-2.
These results reflect the depth of talent in Indian archery and set the stage for future national and international competitions.
Athletics: Stars to Watch
The athletics segment of the National Games promises high-octane performances from some of India’s biggest sporting stars. Scheduled to take place at the Maharana Pratap Sports Complex, the event features an impressive lineup, including:
- Jyothi Yarraji (Asian champion in sprint hurdles)
- Mohammed Afsal (Asian Games silver medalist in 800m)
- Praveen Chithravel (Asian Games bronze medalist in triple jump)
- Vithya Ramraj (Star quarter-miler)
While the men’s 400m lacks high-profile names, the women’s 400m is shaping up to be an exciting contest, featuring Olympian Kiran Pahal, Rupal Chaudhary, and Aishwarya Mishra.
Since the National Games come early in the season, many top athletes have opted out to prepare for the Asian and World Championships. However, this creates an excellent platform for young athletes to showcase their talent and gain valuable experience.
Full Results: Archery Finals Recap
Men’s Individual:
- Gold: Manish (UP) defeated Subham (UP) 6-4.
- Bronze: Chingakham Nelson Singh (Manipur).
Women’s Individual:
- Gold: Laiphrakpam Rojina Devi (Manipur) defeated Chandni Sahu (Chhattisgarh) 6-2.
- Bronze: Tutumoni Boro (Assam) 6-2.
Team Events:
- Mixed Team Gold: Maharashtra defeated Jharkhand 6-2 (Bronze: Assam).
- Men’s Team Gold: Haryana defeated Uttar Pradesh 5-3 (Bronze: Maharashtra).
- Women’s Team Gold: Haryana defeated Manipur 5-3 (Bronze: Chhattisgarh).
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
The National Games athletics competition runs until February 12, promising more action-packed moments. With multiple rising stars set to make their mark, the competition will likely shape India’s international sporting future.
For Kerala, this football victory serves as an inspiration, proving that persistence and hard work pay off. As the celebrations continue, attention now shifts to the upcoming events that will determine the overall leaderboard of the National Games.
