Raipur, March 28: Karnataka has emerged as a standout performer at the Khelo India Tribal Games, securing over ten gold medals. On the third day of the event, the state showcased its prowess at the International Swimming Pool, solidifying its lead in the medal tally. Meanwhile, the host state, Chhattisgarh, celebrated its best day yet, winning one silver and two bronze medals.
Swimmer Manikant L. led the Karnataka team, adding two golds and one silver to his personal tally. By the end of the day, Karnataka had amassed a total of 13 gold, 5 silver, and 1 bronze medal. Odisha followed in second place with 6 gold, 2 silver, and 9 bronze medals, while Assam secured third with 2 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze medals. Chhattisgarh and Tripura were tied for seventh, each with six medals, including three silver and three bronze.
For Chhattisgarh, Anushka Bhagat clinched her third silver medal in the women’s 50-meter breaststroke event. Nikhil Jalko earned his second bronze in the men’s 50-meter breaststroke, while Nyasa Pakra secured a bronze in the 100-meter butterfly, becoming the third athlete from Chhattisgarh to reach the podium.
The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games feature participation from 30 states and union territories, with approximately 3,800 athletes competing in nine different sports. A total of 106 gold medals are up for grabs across events including archery, athletics, football, hockey, swimming, weightlifting, and wrestling, alongside traditional sports like Mallakhamba and Kabaddi.
After three days of competition, 14 states have won at least one medal, with six states claiming at least one gold. On Friday, Arunachal Pradesh and Maharashtra also opened their gold medal accounts. Anai Wangsu from Arunachal Pradesh won gold in the women’s 58 kg weightlifting category, while Tanvi Dhurve from Maharashtra topped the women’s 100-meter butterfly event. Tanvi became the first swimmer not from Karnataka or Odisha to win gold, finishing with a time of 1:23.65, nearly nine seconds ahead of Madhya Pradesh’s Srishti Verma, who took silver. Nyasa Pakra from Chhattisgarh finished third with a time of 1:47.62.
Recently completing her 10th-grade exams, Tanvi expressed her joy, stating, “I have been swimming for the past eight years, inspired by my family. My father, Sukdev, was an international open water swimmer, and my brother, Sarthak, is a national gold medalist in water polo. I’m thrilled to have won a medal at Khelo India.”
Karnataka’s Meghanjali secured her third gold medal in the women’s 50-meter breaststroke with a time of 38.23 seconds, while Anushka Bhagat finished second at 39.57 seconds. This marked the third consecutive time Anushka missed the top spot.
In men’s events, Manikant began the day by winning gold in both the 50-meter breaststroke and the 100-meter butterfly. However, in the final race of the day, his teammate Dhunesh N. outpaced him in the 50-meter freestyle. Dhunesh, who had won gold in the 200-meter freestyle on the first day, clocked 25.75 seconds, while Manikant finished at 26.38 seconds.
In the weightlifting competition, Anai Wangsu from Arunachal Pradesh lifted a total of 169 kg to win gold in the women’s 58 kg category, while Bidu Smita Bhoi from Odisha lifted 195 kg to secure gold in the women’s 63 kg category. Following this, Richin Chongruju doubled Arunachal Pradesh’s gold count by lifting a total of 269 kg in the men’s 79 kg category. Mizoram took home silver and bronze medals.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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