Karnataka Shines at Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 with Swimming Triumphs

The Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 kicked off with Karnataka's Dhoneesh N and Odisha's Anjali Munda winning the first gold medals in swimming. Karnataka dominated the opening day, securing five out of six golds available. The event features nearly 3,800 participants from 30 states competing across various sports. Highlights include impressive performances in the men's and women's 200m freestyle events, with Karnataka's athletes showcasing their skills. The competition promises to be thrilling as more events unfold.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 26, 2026, 00:04 IST

Karnataka's Early Success

In a remarkable start to the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, Karnataka's Dhoneesh N and Odisha's Anjali Munda secured the first gold medals in the men's and women's 200m freestyle events at the International Swimming Complex on Wednesday.

Karnataka Leads the Medal Count

As reported by the organizing committee, Karnataka showcased its prowess by winning five out of six gold medals available on the first day. Meanwhile, the host state, Chhattisgarh, also made its mark by earning a silver and a bronze in the men's and women's 100m breaststroke events, respectively. A total of 30 states and Union Territories are competing in this inaugural edition, with nearly 3,800 athletes participating across nine sports. The Games will award 106 gold medals in various disciplines, including archery, athletics, football, hockey, swimming, weightlifting, and wrestling, while traditional sports like Mallakhamb and Kabaddi will be featured as demonstration events. After the first day, Karnataka topped the medal tally with seven medals, including five golds, followed by Odisha with four medals, one of which is gold, and Chhattisgarh in fourth place with two medals.

Highlights from the Swimming Events

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Final Results from Swimming Events

Swimming Results

Women: 200m Freestyle: Gold - Anjali Munda (Odisha) 2:39.02s; Silver - Nidhi S (Karnataka) 2:39.09s; Bronze - Sriya Padiami (Odisha) 2:49.04s

100m Breaststroke: Gold - Mehanjali (Karnataka) 1:25.81s; Silver - Anushka Bhagat (Chhattisgarh) 1:29.10s; Bronze - Rinky Murmu (Odisha) 1:34.70s

50m Butterfly: Gold - Mehanjali (Karnataka) 34.67s; Silver - Tiluttam Jamatia (Tripura) 34.85s; Bronze - Ritika Minz (Odisha) 35.54s

Men: 200m Freestyle: Gold - Dhoneesh N (Karnataka) 2:03.55s; Silver - Keerthan Sharat (Karnataka) 2:10.99s; Bronze - Bhaktish Kumre (Maharashtra) 2:14.73s

100m Breaststroke: Gold - Manikanta L (Karnataka) 1:07.41s; Silver - Palash Manoj Thakur (Maharashtra) 1:11.69s; Bronze - Nikhil Xalco (Chhattisgarh) 1:11.77s

50m Butterfly: Gold - Manikanta L (Karnataka) 27.06s; Silver - Firmino Emon Lalung (Assam) 27.69s; Bronze - Riyaj Tripura (Tripura) 28.48s.