Prasanna Bendre Triumphs at Khelo India Beach Games Amid Weight Category Change
Adapting to New Challenges
Prasanna Bendre, a prominent Pencak Silat athlete from Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, was eager to defend his Tanding gold medal at the upcoming Khelo India Beach Games 2026. However, a last-minute adjustment to the weight categories forced him to compete in a higher class this year. With only 20 days until the event, he had to transition from the 40-45 kg category to the 50-55 kg category, requiring him to gain weight to face larger opponents.
Conquering the Odds
Instead of backing down, the 23-year-old athlete rose to the occasion, ultimately securing his second consecutive gold medal in Tanding by defeating Rohit Meitei from Manipur in the final held at Ghoghla Beach in Diu. Prasanna shared, "I was in Srinagar for a national camp before returning to learn that my usual weight category was removed from the Games. With only 20 days left, I had to adapt and prepare for the new weight class, knowing my opponents would be stronger."
Training and Nutrition
"To gain the necessary weight, I created a shake using dates, bananas, figs, and other ingredients, consuming it twice daily. It was challenging to increase my weight so quickly, but I managed to reach around 50-51 kg," he explained.
Support from Coaches
Having previously earned a silver medal in the men's senior Tunggal event, Prasanna credited his coaches, Alexander and Philia Thomas, for their guidance and encouragement to trust his skills while moving up in weight during the Tanding final. His journey in Pencak Silat began over a decade ago after a chance meeting with his coaches, who were establishing their academy in Daman. "I was fortunate to be one of their first students at the Honour Academy, and I owe much to my coaches for their belief in me," he remarked.
Financial Challenges
Prasanna's journey to the World Championships in Abu Dhabi was fraught with financial difficulties. His father, who works for a private company, had to take out a loan of nearly a lakh and gather additional funds from community members to support his trip. "Managing finances was tough. My father is still repaying the loan he took from local lenders in Daman. We also organized a fundraiser within the Marathi community to help cover costs," he said.
Balancing Education and Sports
Currently pursuing a Master's in Psychology at Madhav University in Rajasthan, Prasanna had to miss the 2025 National Championships due to his final exams. With his academic responsibilities now completed and another gold medal in hand, he is eager to focus on his sport and secure employment to support his family. "My father will retire next year, so I need to find a job to help my family," he concluded, also mentioning his role as an assistant coach at the Honour Academy.