Karnataka's Manikanta L Secures Third Consecutive Gold at Khelo India Tribal Games
In a stunning display of athletic prowess, Karnataka swimmer Manikanta L continued his dominant streak at the Khelo India Tribal Games on Thursday, securing his third consecutive gold medal in the 200m individual medley event. The competition, held in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, witnessed remarkable performances from tribal athletes across the nation.
Swimming Excellence on Display
Manikanta, who had already claimed gold in the 100m breaststroke and 50m butterfly on Wednesday, clocked an impressive 2:25.93 seconds to triumph in the 200m individual medley. The silver medal went to Riaz Tripura of Tripura with a time of 2:34.04 seconds, while Kanhu Soren from Odisha finished with 2:36.21 seconds to earn the bronze.
In the women's category, Odisha's Anjali Munda added to her medal tally by securing her second gold of the event. She timed 2:53.82 seconds in the 200m individual medley. Anushka Bhagat, representing the host state Chhattisgarh, followed closely with 2:59.33 seconds for the silver medal, marking her second silver of the competition. The bronze was claimed by Anjali Malik of Odisha, who finished in 3:06.13 seconds.
Weightlifting Heroes Overcome Injuries
The spirit of resilience was evident in the weightlifting arena, where athletes competed despite significant injuries. Monikha Sonowal from Assam, a 19-year-old from Dhemaji district, won gold in the women's 48 kg category by lifting a total of 132 kg (57 kg snatch and 75 kg clean and jerk), all while nursing a knee injury sustained during training three months ago. Her coach had suggested withdrawal, but Monikha chose to compete to establish her presence at the national level.
Odisha's Deepa Rani Malik secured silver with 120 kg, and Alaska Alina from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands took bronze with 115 kg.
In the men's segment, Mizoram's Isak Malsawmtluanga overcame a back injury to claim gold. After finishing second in the snatch with 108 kg, he lifted 130 kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 235 kg. Babulal Hembrom of Jharkhand won silver with 230 kg, while Subrata Naik from Odisha earned bronze with 228 kg.
Event Overview and Medal Standings
The inaugural edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games is a massive sporting spectacle, featuring nearly 3,800 athletes from 30 states and Union Territories. Participants are competing across nine sports disciplines for a total of 106 gold medals. The event includes:
- Archery
- Athletics
- Football
- Hockey
- Swimming
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
Additionally, Mallakhamb and kabaddi are featured as demonstration sports, adding to the diversity of the games.
As of the latest updates, Karnataka leads the medal table with six gold and two silver medals. Odisha follows in second place with three gold, one silver, and four bronze medals, showcasing the competitive nature of this national event.
The Khelo India Tribal Games not only highlight athletic talent but also celebrate the rich cultural heritage of tribal communities across India, providing a platform for emerging stars to shine on a national stage.
