Harshita Jakhar's outstanding performance at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in Bihar has propelled Rajasthan to the top of the medal tally. The endurance cyclist secured two gold medals, sharing the spotlight with Maharashtra swimmer Aditi Satish Hegde. As of May 6, 2025, Rajasthan leads with six gold and two silver medals.
Jakhar's victories came in the Scratch Race (7.5km) and the Time Trial (500m) events. In the 7.5km Scratch Race, Jakhar clocked 11:50.973, narrowly edging out Suhani Kumari of Bihar (11:51.558) and Akanksha Mhetre of Maharashtra (11:51.649). She later dominated the Time Trial (500m).
Adding to Rajasthan's success, Aditya Jakhar, Harshita's cousin, secured a gold medal in the boys' Scratch Race. Mayank Chaudhary also contributed to the gold rush by winning the 10m Air Pistol event. Prachi and Mayank Chaudhary won gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, defeating Uttar Pradesh in the final held in New Delhi. Prachi secured the win with a 10.6-point shot after the match was tied 15-15. Ashwin Bhardwaj clinched a gold medal in judo (81kg category), while Tanya secured a bronze medal in the 40kg category.
Karnataka is in close pursuit with 5 gold, 9 silver, and 3 bronze medals, while Maharashtra holds 5 gold, 6 silver, and 9 bronze medals. Aditi Satish Hegde of Maharashtra won gold in the girls' 200m Freestyle with a time of 2:09.51, improving upon her silver medal in the previous KIYG. She also won a bronze medal in the 800m Freestyle. Manvi Varma of Karnataka also had a strong showing, winning two gold medals in the 100m Breaststroke and the 50m Butterfly events.
The Khelo India Youth Games 2025, the seventh edition of the event, is taking place across multiple cities in Bihar and New Delhi from May 4 to May 15. The games feature over 5,000 young athletes competing in 27 sports. Shooting, gymnastics, and track cycling events are being held in New Delhi, while the majority of events are taking place in Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai in Bihar.