Pratyasa Ray Wins Gold in 200m Backstroke at Senior National Aquatic Championship

Odisha’s ace swimmer Pratyasa Ray continued her impressive run at the 79th Senior National Aquatic Championship 2026 by winning the gold medal in the Women’s 200m Backstroke event on Thursday.

Representing Odisha, Pratyasa delivered a remarkable performance, clocking a personal best time of 2 minutes 20.22 seconds to finish at the top of the podium. Her achievement was a testament to years of dedication, discipline, and consistent hard work in the pool.

A product of the Odisha IIS JSW Swimming High Performance Centre (HPC), Pratyasa displayed excellent technique and composure while competing against some of the country’s finest swimmers. Her winning effort not only secured the gold medal but also marked the fastest time of her career in the event.

The gold medal came just a day after Pratyasa had won a bronze medal in the Women’s 50m Backstroke event, highlighting her outstanding form at the national championship.

Known for her determination and perseverance, Pratyasa has steadily built an impressive record on the national stage. She has previously earned accolades at prestigious competitions, including the National Games and the Khelo India University Games.

Her latest triumph further strengthens Odisha’s growing reputation in Indian swimming and reflects the success of the state’s investment in high-performance sports development programs.

With a personal best performance and another national title to her name, Pratyasa Ray has once again established herself as one of India’s leading backstroke swimmers and a strong contender for future international competitions.