Karnataka swimmer Manikanta completes golden hat-trick; Chhattisgarh’s Anushka Bhagat wins second silver

RAIPUR: Karnataka swimmer Manikanta L maintained his dominant form at the Khelo India Tribal Games on Thursday, clinching his third consecutive gold medal in the 200m individual medley. Odisha’s Anjali Munda also added to her tally, securing a second gold in the women’s category on the second day of the competition.

Host state Chhattisgarh saw local swimmer Anushka Bhagat finish second in the women’s 200m individual medley. This is her second silver medal of the event.

The inaugural edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games involves nearly 3,800 athletes from 30 states and Union Territories. Participants are competing across nine sports disciplines for 106 gold medals. The event includes archery, athletics, football, hockey, swimming, weightlifting, and wrestling, with Mallakhamb and kabaddi as demonstration sports.

Manikanta, who won gold in the 100m breaststroke and 50m butterfly on Wednesday, clocked 2:25.93 seconds to win the 200m individual medley. Riaz Tripura of Tripura took silver with 2:34.04 seconds, and Odisha’s Kanhu Soren finished with 2:36.21 seconds to claim bronze.

In the women’s 200m individual medley, Anjali Munda timed 2:53.82 seconds for the top spot. Chhattisgarh’s Anushka Bhagat followed with 2:59.33 seconds for silver, while Odisha’s Anjali Malik secured bronze with 3:06.13 seconds.

Karnataka currently 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.

Assam’s Monikha Sonowal and Mizoram’s Isak Malsawmtluanga won gold medals in weightlifting despite carrying injuries. Monikha, competing in the women’s 48 kg category, lifted a total of 132 kg (57 kg snatch and 75 kg clean and jerk) while nursing a knee injury. Odisha’s Deepa Rani Malik won silver with 120 kg, and Alaska Alina from Andaman and Nicobar Islands took bronze with 115 kg.

Monikha, a 19-year-old from Dhemaji district, suffered the injury during training three months ago. Her coach suggested withdrawing, but she chose to compete to establish her presence at the national level.

In the men’s segment, Mizoram’s Isak Malsawmtluanga overcame a back injury to secure 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. Jharkhand’s Babulal Hembrom won silver with 230 kg, while Odisha’s Subrata Naik took bronze with 228 kg.