Chennai : Vadodara Judo player Yash Patil shines in Khelo India Youth Games 2023-24 organized in Chennai. The Gujarat government run District Level Sports School (DLSS) scheme player won Silver medal in 81 plus category and brings laurels to the city and Gujarat. Yash earlier won a Silver medal in National Cadet Judo Championship in July 2023 in – 90 category and based on that he was selected for Khelo India Youth Games. He wishes to represent India in international championships and continue the game as a career in life. 17 years old Yash Patil is a 12th standard student of Urmi school and a DLSS scheme player since 2021. The competition was his first Khelo India Youth Games and he mark his presence with a Silver medal in 81 plus category. He is the only player from Vadodara to take part in this competition in Judo. His coach Pratik Khatri added, before the Khelo India Youth Games, Yash played in the national competition in Rajasthan and lost the Bronze Medal fight. He was very disturbed and there was a one day time for him to prepare for this prestigious tournament. However with guidance from his Coach, he gained confidence and participated in the Khelo India Youth Games and won a Silver medal. Yash is a DLSS player and the scheme helps him in his overall improvement as a player in terms of practice, education and diet. He practices four hours a day and sharpening his skills as a judo player. He thanked his development Coach Pratik Khatri, parents, physio and partner for the success in Khelo India Youth Games. He also thanked Mayur Patel who was his grassroot coach. Sports Authority of Gujarat and District Sports Development Officer, Vadodara extends their wishes for his success and bright future.

I took up Judo and playing tournaments since 2017. Till date I participated in four nationals and this year played in my first Khelo India Youth Games. In the league match I defeated the player from Punjab and then player from Uttarakhand in Quarter Final. Both the matches were tough, but I believe in myself and won both the fights. Later in Semifinal I defeated the player from Odisha and lost to Delhi in the final. The competition was a learning experience for me and winning a Silver medal is beyond my imagination. I will continue to play my game and wishes to represent India in international competitions.

Yash Patil, Judo Player