Swimmers Sajan Prakash (Kerala) and Hashika Ramachandra (Karnataka) were crowned the Best Male Athlete and Best Female Athlete respectively at the closing ceremony of the 36th National Games at Ahhmedabad on Wednesday.

Sajan Prakash, India’s most experienced swimmer won the coveted trophy for the second time. He had earlier won the Best Male Athlete award in the 2015 National Games held in Kerala.

In this edition of the Games, the 29-year-old Sajan Prakash won eight medals, including five individual gold, two silver and a bronze. More than the medals, the swimmer’s kind and gracious illustration of sportsmanship has imprinted a positive impression on young swimmers and set a good example, reports said.

“I was happy to compete in the National Games in Gujarat. It was a sudden but welcome development that the Games was announced and the biggest sporting meet in the country was held. I thank everyone who has worked to put the Games together at such short notice,” Sajan said, having previously wondered if the National Games would happen.

Sajan Prakash from Kerala receiving the trophy for Best Male Athlete at the 36th National Games Gujarat. Photo from National Games Gujarat.

14-year-old Hashika Ramachandra representing the state of Karnataka won six gold in her collection of seven medals on her National Games debut. She became the first Karnataka athlete in 23 years to bag this coveted trophy.

“I am delighted that I have been named for the prestigious award. This will inspire me to get better and deliver more great performances. There may be a little bit pressure on me from now, but I have to do what I have to do,” Hashika said on being awarded the Best Female Athlete Award.

Hashika Ramachandra from Karnataka receiving the trophy for Best Female Athlete at the 36th National Games Gujarat. Photo from National Games Gujarat.