Khelo India Tribal Games (Day 3): Karnataka Dominates, Manikanta L Shines as Star Performer

Raipur, March 2026: Karnataka continued its dominant run on the third day of the Khelo India Tribal Games, delivering an outstanding performance in swimming and strengthening its lead in the medal tally. The state became the first to cross the 10-gold mark, finishing the day with a total of 13 gold, 5 silver, and 1 bronze medals—all gold medals coming from swimming events.

Star swimmer Manikanta L emerged as the standout performer of the Games so far. On Day 3 alone, he secured two gold medals and one silver, taking his total tally to an impressive eight gold medals, making him the most successful athlete in the competition. His remarkable performances have played a key role in Karnataka’s dominance.

In the medal standings, Odisha holds the second position with 6 gold, 2 silver, and 9 bronze medals, while Assam is third with 2 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze medals. Host state Chhattisgarh, with a total of 6 medals (3 silver and 3 bronze), is jointly placed seventh along with Tripura.

Chhattisgarh delivered its best performance so far on the third day, winning one silver and two bronze medals. Anushka Bhagat secured her third silver medal by finishing second in the women’s 50m backstroke. Nikhil Jalko won bronze in the men’s 50m breaststroke, while Nyasa Paikra added another bronze in the 100m butterfly event.

Maharashtra and Arunachal Pradesh also opened their gold medal accounts. Maharashtra’s Tanvi Dhurve clinched gold in the women’s 100m butterfly, while Arunachal Pradesh’s Anai Wangsu (58 kg) and Richin Chongruju (79 kg) won gold in weightlifting, bringing pride to their state.

The swimming events witnessed intense competition. Karnataka’s Meghanjali won gold in the women’s 50m backstroke, while Anushka Bhagat of Chhattisgarh took silver. In the men’s category, Manikanta L secured gold in both the 50m backstroke and 100m butterfly. Karnataka’s Dhuneesh N also claimed gold in the 50m freestyle.

Weightlifting events also saw strong performances. Arunachal Pradesh’s Anai Wangsu lifted 169 kg to win gold in the women’s 58 kg category, while Odisha’s Bidu Smita Bhoi secured gold in the 63 kg category with a lift of 195 kg. In the men’s category, Mizoram’s M.H. Silvan Beihrothatlo won gold in the 71 kg category, and Arunachal Pradesh’s Richin Chongruju topped the 79 kg category.

The inaugural edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games has attracted around 3,800 athletes from 30 states and Union Territories. A total of 106 gold medals are at stake across sports such as archery, athletics, football, hockey, swimming, weightlifting, and wrestling, while Mallakhamb and kabaddi are featured as demonstration sports.

After three days, 14 states have won at least one medal, while six states have secured gold medals. With several events still to come, more thrilling and competitive contests are expected in the days ahead.