Record 6 Indian-origin students among 8 winners at 'unprecedented' US National Spelling Bee

Reaffirming the dominance of Indian-Americans, a record six Indian-origin students were among eight who jointly won the prestigious 2019 Scripps National Spelling Bee, taking home more than USD 50,000 in cash and prizes in an "unprecedented" competition.

It is the first time in the 94-year history of the contest that more than two co-champions have been named.

Rishik Gandhasri, 13, of California; Saketh Sundar, 13, of Maryland; Shruthika Padhy, 13, of New Jersey; Sohum Sukhatankar, 13, of Texas; Abhijay Kodali, 12, of Texas; Rohan Raja, 13, of Texas; Christopher Serrao, 13, of New Jersey and Erin Howard, 14, of Alabama were named as co-champions.

For Rishik Gandhasri, the winning word was "auslaut." Erin Howard, spelled "erysipelas" correctly. Saketh Sundar, won on "bougainvillea." And Shruthika Padhy, won with "aiguillette." Sohum Sukhatankar, spelled "pendeloque" correctly. Abhijay Kodali, spelled "palama" right. Christopher Serrao, won with "cernuous." Rohan's winning word was "odylic."