Prasanna Bendre Triumphs at Khelo India Beach Games Amid Weight Class Challenge
Prasanna Bendre's Remarkable Journey
Diu, Jan 10: Prasanna Bendre faced a significant hurdle just 20 days before the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2026, as he was required to shift to a higher weight class in Pencak Silat Tanding. Despite this unexpected change, he showcased his prowess by clinching a gold medal at the event.
The talented athlete from Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu was eager to defend his Tanding title at home. However, a last-minute adjustment in weight categories forced him to compete in the 50-55 kg class instead of his usual 40-45 kg category.
With only three weeks to adapt, Bendre had to gain weight to face larger and stronger competitors. Rather than backing down, the 23-year-old embraced the challenge, ultimately defeating Rohit Meitei from Manipur in the final held at Ghoghla Beach.
"Before the Games, I was training in Srinagar at a national camp. Upon returning, I learned that my usual weight category was eliminated, leaving me no choice but to prepare for the next class. The challenge was that my opponents were already accustomed to competing at that weight," Bendre explained.
"To gain weight, I created a shake using dates, bananas, figs, and other ingredients, consuming it twice daily. It was tough to put on weight so quickly, but I managed to reach around 50-51 kg," he added, as reported by SAI Media.
Bendre had previously earned a silver medal in the men's senior Tunggal event and credited his coaches, Alexander and Philia Thomas, for their support in trusting his technique during the Tanding final.
His journey into Pencak Silat began serendipitously when he met his coaches while attending tuition classes in Class 8. They had just moved to Daman and were establishing their academy, and he became one of their first students.
Prasanna, who ranked among the top eight at the 2024 World Championships in Abu Dhabi, faced financial challenges during his travels. His father had to secure a loan and gather funds from the community to support his participation.
"Managing finances was tough. My father borrowed money from local lenders, and he is still repaying that debt. We also raised funds through the Marathi community for my trip to Dubai for the Asian Championship in 2023, where I won a bronze medal," he shared.
With a Master's degree in Psychology from Madhav University, Prasanna had to skip the 2025 National Championships due to exams. Now that his academic obligations are complete and with another Khelo India gold medal in hand, he aims to focus on his sport and find employment to support his family.
"My father will retire next year, so I need to find a job to help my family. That’s my current priority," said Prasanna, who also works as an assistant coach at the Honour Academy.