Kumar Bahukhandi
In Short
Odisha’s Anjali Munda Wins Another Gold Medal in Women’s 200m Individual Medley
Assam’s Monikha Sonowal and Mizoram’s Isaac Win Gold Medals in Weightlifting Despite Injuries
Raipur: Continuing his stellar performance, Karnataka swimmer Manikanta L completed a hat-trick of gold medals by winning his third consecutive gold in the 200m Individual Medley. Meanwhile, Odisha’s Anjali Munda secured her second gold medal in the women’s category. These achievements were accomplished on Thursday March 26, 2026 , the second day of the ongoing Khelo India Tribal Games being held here.
It was also a moment of joy for the host state, Chhattisgarh, as local swimmer Anushka Bhagat secured second place in the women’s 200m Individual Medley, winning her second silver medal.
Thirty states and Union Territories are participating in this inaugural edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games, with approximately 3,800 athletes competing across nine sports disciplines. A total of 106 gold medals are at stake in Archery, Athletics, Football, Hockey, Swimming, Weightlifting, and Wrestling, while Mallakhamb and Kabaddi have been included as demonstration sports.
Manikanta, who had previously won gold medals in the 100m Breaststroke and 50m Butterfly on Wednesday March 25, 2026 , continued his dominance by winning the 200m Individual Medley in a time of 2:25.93 seconds.
Tripura’s Riyaz Tripura (2:34.04 seconds) won the silver medal, while Odisha’s Kanhu Soren (2:36.21 seconds) claimed the bronze. In the women’s 200m Individual Medley, Anjali Munda claimed the gold medal with a timing of 2:53.82 seconds. Anushka Bhagat of Chhattisgarh (2:59.33 seconds) won the silver, while Anjali Malik of Odisha (3:06.13 seconds) secured the bronze medal.
In the medal tally, Karnataka sits at the top spot with six gold and two silver medals, while Odisha holds the second position with three gold, one silver, and four bronze medals.
In weightlifting, Monikha Sonowal of Assam and Isaac Malsawmtluanga of Mizoram delivered stellar performances—despite battling injuries—to win gold medals. Despite a knee injury, Monikha won the gold medal in the women’s 48kg category by lifting a total of 132kg—comprising a 57kg snatch and a 75kg clean and jerk. Deepa Rani Mallick of Odisha (120kg) won the silver, while Alaska Alina of Andaman and Nicobar (115kg) secured the bronze medal.
Monikha, who hails from the Dhemaji district of Assam, revealed that she had twisted her knee during practice three months ago, and her coaches were considering withdrawing her from the competition; however, she decided to compete. The 19-year-old athlete stated, “I did not want to miss this competition because I wanted to make a name for myself at the national level. I am happy that I was able to perform well under pressure.”
Isaac Malsawmtluanga of Mizoram was also battling a back injury. He was placed second after struggling to lift 108kg in the snatch event; however, he staged a magnificent comeback in the clean and jerk, lifting 130kg to claim the gold medal with a total lift of 235kg. Babulal Hembram of Jharkhand (230kg) won the silver, while Subrata Naik of Odisha (228kg) secured the bronze medal.
