Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 Day 1: Karnataka Swimmers Dhoneesh N and Anjali Munda Win First Golds

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Karnataka Swimmers headlined the opening day of the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026 as Dhoneesh N and Anjali Munda clinched the first gold medals of the Games in the men's and women's 200m freestyle events respectively in Raipur on Wednesday (March 25).

Karnataka emerged as the dominant force, winning five out of six gold medals on offer in swimming on Day 1. The state topped the medal tally with seven medals, including five golds, while Odisha stood second with four medals, including one gold. Hosts Chhattisgarh also made an encouraging start, securing a silver and bronze.

Dhoneesh, Anjali Script History as Karnataka Rule the Pool

Dhoneesh N delivered a standout performance in the men's 200m freestyle, clocking 2:03.55s, finishing nearly seven seconds ahead of his nearest rival and teammate Keerthan Sharat (2:10.99s). Maharashtra's Bhaktish Kumre took bronze.

"This is my first Khelo India Games and it feels truly special to win the very first gold medal of these Games," Dhoneesh said.

In the women's 200m freestyle, Anjali Munda of Odisha edged a thrilling contest, winning gold with 2:39.02s, narrowly ahead of Karnataka's Nidhi S (2:39.09s). Odisha's Sriya Padiami secured bronze.

Double Gold Feats for Manikanta, Mehanjali

Karnataka's Manikanta L and Mehanjali were the stars of the day, winning two gold medals each.

Manikanta L won the men's 100m breaststroke (1:07.41s) and 50m butterfly (27.06s)
Mehanjali clinched the women's 100m breaststroke (1:25.81s) and 50m butterfly (34.67s)

Chhattisgarh's Nikhil Xalco (bronze in men's 100m breaststroke) and Anushka Bhagat (silver in women's 100m breaststroke) ensured the hosts opened their medal tally on Day 1.

Strong Start for Inaugural Games

The first edition of KITG has brought together 3,800 athletes from 30 states and Union Territories, competing across nine disciplines. A total of 106 gold medals will be decided over the course of the Games, which run until April 3.

With swimming action setting the tone, Karnataka have taken early control of the medal standings, while Odisha and Chhattisgarh also made promising starts.

Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 - Day 1 Swimming Results