Khelo India Tribal Games: Manikanta and Anjali Shine in Swimming Events

Manikanta and Anjali Excel in Swimming

On the second day of the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG), Karnataka's Manikanta L secured his third consecutive gold medal by dominating the 200m Individual Medley. Meanwhile, Odisha's Anjali Munda earned her second gold in the women's category.

Hosts Chhattisgarh celebrated as Anushka Bhagat added a silver medal to her collection by finishing second in the women's 200m IM event.

The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games features participation from thirty states and Union Territories, with nearly 3,800 athletes competing across nine sports. A total of 106 gold medals are available in disciplines such as archery, athletics, football, hockey, swimming, weightlifting, and wrestling, while traditional sports like Mallakhamb and Kabaddi are showcased as demonstration events.

Manikanta, who previously won gold in the 100m Breaststroke and 50m Butterfly, continued his winning streak by completing the 200m IM in 2:25.93 seconds. Riyaj Tripura from Tripura took the silver with a time of 2:34.04 seconds, while Kanhu Soren from Odisha secured bronze at 2:36.21 seconds.

Anjali, who clinched gold in the 200m freestyle the day before, won the women's 200m IM with a time of 2:53.82 seconds. Anushka Bhagat from Chhattisgarh earned silver at 2:59.33 seconds, and Anjali Mallick from Odisha took bronze with a time of 3:06.13 seconds.

Currently, Karnataka leads the medal tally with six golds and two silvers, followed by Odisha with three golds, one silver, and four bronzes.

Weightlifters Triumph Despite Injuries

In the weightlifting events, Assam's Monikha Sonowal and Mizoram's Isak Malsawmtluanga overcame injury challenges to win gold medals in the women's 48kg and men's 60kg categories, respectively.

Monikha arrived at the Khelo India Tribal Games with a knee injury, while Malsawmtluanga dealt with a persistent back issue. Both athletes showcased remarkable resilience at the Pt. Ravishankar University Ground.

Monikha excelled in the women's 48kg category, lifting 57kg in the snatch and 75kg in the Clean & Jerk, totaling 132kg to secure gold. Deepa Rani Mallik from Odisha and Alaaska Aleena from Andaman and Nicobar Islands won silver and bronze with lifts of 120kg and 115kg, respectively.

Despite her knee injury sustained during training three months prior, Monikha expressed her determination to compete, stating, "I was clear that I did not want to miss this event because I wanted to make a mark on the national stage and I am happy that I could perform under pressure."

Malsawmtluanga faced difficulties during the snatch, lifting only 108kg in his third attempt, placing him second before the Clean & Jerk. However, he excelled in this segment, lifting 130kg in his second attempt, totaling 235kg to secure gold. Babulal Hembrom from Jharkhand earned silver with a total lift of 230kg.

Event Results

Football

Men: Group A: Chhattisgarh drew with West Bengal 1-1

Group B: Arunachal Pradesh defeated Goa 2-0

Swimming

Women: 200m IM: Gold - Anjali Munda (Odisha) 2:53.82s; Silver - Anushka Bhagat (Chhattisgarh) 2:59.33s; Bronze - Anjali Mallick (Odisha) 3:06.13s

Men: 200m IM: Gold - Manikanta L (Karnataka) 2:25.93s; Silver - Riyaj Tripura (Tripura) 2:34.04s; Bronze - Kanhu Soren (Odisha) 2:36.21s

Weightlifting

Women: 48kg: Gold - Monikha Sonowal (Assam) 132kg; Silver - Deepa Rani Mallik (Odisha) 120kg; Bronze - Alaaska Aleena (Andaman and Nicobar Islands) 115kg

53kg: Gold - Jhilli Dalabehera (Odisha) 160kg; Silver - Kiuchangliu Gangmei (Manipur) 160kg; Bronze - Larityngkai Lawriniang (Meghalaya) 132kg

Men: 60kg: Gold - Isak Malsawmtluanga (Mizoram) 235kg; Silver - Babulal Hembrom (Jharkhand) 230kg; Bronze - Subrat Naik (Odisha) 228kg.