BHUBANESWAR, Aug 16th, 2026
InfoNews India News Service
V. Ramesh Rao, a son of Chhatrapur, scripted a memorable chapter for Odisha and India at the Commonwealth Para Fencing Championship 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria, by claiming two gold medals.
Competing against the Commonwealth’s best from August 9–13, Ramesh Rao stood atop the podium in both the Men’s Foil Individual and Men’s Epee Individual events, securing an exceptional double victory for the nation. The Lagos meet — the first time Nigeria hosted the championships — also marked a notable moment for para-athletes, who found a global stage to display their skill and resilience.
Hailing from Gilittipeta Sahi in Chhatrapur and representing the Odisha Para Sports Association, Ramesh Rao has been a regular on national and international circuits. His career, built on sustained discipline and rigorous practice, has already produced several accolades; the twin golds at Lagos now add a historic high point.
The feat has resonated widely: families and officials in Chhatrapur and Ganjam district celebrated the triumph, while sporting communities across Odisha hailed his achievement as a source of pride. More than medals, Rao’s victory exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and offers a powerful inspiration to para-athletes throughout India.
With this double-gold performance, V. Ramesh Rao not only enhanced his own sporting legacy but also brought fresh international recognition to the athletic talent emerging from Ganjam and Odisha.
