Raipur, April 7 (NationPress) The first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026 in Chhattisgarh has united athletes from the tribal community at various stages of their journeys on a significant platform. For some, it marked their first experience competing in multi-discipline events, while for others, it represented another milestone in their growing careers.

A total of 30 states and Union Territories participated in this inaugural edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG), featuring close to 3800 athletes competing across nine sports disciplines. An impressive 106 gold medals were available in archery, athletics, football, hockey, swimming, weightlifting, and wrestling, with traditional sports such as mallakhamb and kabaddi showcased as demonstration events.

As India gears up to host the Commonwealth Games 2030 and aims to potentially hold the 2036 Summer Olympics, the Khelo India Tribal Games provided athletes from various tribal backgrounds an invaluable opportunity to display their talents and enhance India's competitive strength across multiple sports. The Games took place in three Chhattisgarh cities: Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Ambikapur.

Here’s a glimpse of some athletes who are already making waves on the national and international scene, along with those who exhibited potential for future success.

Manikanta L. (Swimmer)

The standout athlete of the Games, Manikanta L., secured a remarkable eight gold medals and one silver in the swimming events, helping Karnataka clinch the overall champions title. The 21-year-old, who has previously medaled at the Khelo India University Games, is preparing to join the Indian team for the upcoming Asian Games and participated in multiple disciplines to enhance his readiness.

The breaststroke specialist dominated most of his races and expressed that his performance here boosts his confidence as he focuses on qualifying for the Asian Games.

Anjali Munda (Swimmer)

The 15-year-old from Odisha’s Jajpur district emerged as a shining star in the swimming competitions. With an impressive collection of five gold medals – in 200m Freestyle, 200m IM, 100m Backstroke, 50m Backstroke, and 4x100 medley – she showcased her versatility and ability to surpass older competitors.

As a student at the Kalinga Institute of Social Studies, this was Anjali's first Khelo India Games, and she appeared unfazed by the event's scale, indicating her potential for international success.

Komalika Bari (Archer)

Komalika Bari is only the second Indian, after Dipika Kumari, to be crowned World Cadet and World Youth Champion, making her a leading contender for the Indian team at the 2026 Asian Games. Preparing for the selection trials in Pune, she viewed her participation in the Khelo India Tribal Games as vital match practice.

She achieved individual gold and mixed team gold in Recurve but faced tough competition, settling for a silver medal in the women's team event after a close final against Nagaland.

Kiran Pisda (Football)

The captain of the Chhattisgarh women’s football team displayed exceptional leadership, even taking on the goalkeeper role during the penalty shoot-out in the semifinals, leading her team to victory and securing the gold medal. Kiran not only was the top scorer but also effectively guided her youthful squad, demonstrating how strong leadership can elevate a team.

Having represented India in SAFF competitions and played in the Croatian League, the 24-year-old aspires to establish herself as a regular member of the Indian national team, showcasing her versatility to play in multiple positions.

Babulal Hembrom (Weightlifter)

The 19-year-old from Jharkhand made history as the first weightlifter from his state to win gold at the Khelo India Youth Games in 2024 and is the first international weightlifter from Jharkhand to earn medals in the IWF World Youth Championships and Asian Youth Championships.

Now transitioning from junior to senior competition, he is training in the National Camp at SAI Patiala, and his silver medal at the Khelo India Tribal Games bolstered his confidence to challenge senior lifters.

Shiv Kumar Soren (Sprinter)

The speedy sprinter from Jharkhand excelled, claiming gold medals in both the 100m and 200m events with ease, clocking 10.58 seconds for the 100m and 21.51 seconds for the 200m. As a trainee at the Centre of Excellence in Bokaro, he possesses the physical prowess to improve his performance further.

Jhilli Dalabehera (Odisha)

A prominent weightlifter from Odisha, Jhilli won gold at the 2020 Asian Weightlifting Championships in the 45kg category and a silver in the 2021 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship in the 49kg category. Competing in the 53kg category at the Khelo India Tribal Games, she secured the gold medal.

Bhargavi Bhagora (Archer)

At 21, Bhargavi from Gujarat showcased her talent, narrowly losing to Komalika Bari in the recurve individual final. The competitive spirit she displayed against her more experienced rival will undoubtedly boost her confidence ahead of the selection trials for the Indian team for the Asian Games in Japan. From the Aravalli district in Gujarat, Bhargavi has also earned three medals at various Khelo India University Games editions and currently trains at the Nadiad High-Performance Centre supported by the Sports Authority of India.