Indian youth swimmer Tirthank Pegu made history at the Youth Olympics 2026 in Dakar, becoming the first Indian male swimmer to win a Youth Olympics medal after clinching a bronze in the men's 200m butterfly final with a time of 2:01.25. The 17-year-old from Assam spoke to reporters in a virtual interaction on Monday, reflecting on the milestone and what it means for his family and the nation.

Family Celebrations Back Home

Pegu revealed that his family's reaction was one of unbridled joy. 'I had a video call with my family yesterday. So, they were really, really happy. They were enjoying, and they were having a party actually without me,' he said. He added that well-wishers were congratulating them and blessing him for 'a great future ahead and for the upcoming competitions.'

The outpouring of support extended beyond his household, with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma among the ministers who reportedly reached out to congratulate the young swimmer.

A Dream a Year in the Making

Pegu described the Youth Olympics medal as the fulfilment of a year-long campaign built around a single objective. 'It's like, it was my dream to win a medal in the Youth Olympics. And me and my coach, we voted for this particular competition whole year,' he said. He trained under coach Sandeep Sejwal and competes for the Inspire Institute of Sports (IIS).

The feeling, he said, had still not fully sunk in. 'Yeah, the feeling has not sunk in yet. And like in Assam, my whole family is really happy that they believed in me a lot,' Pegu noted.

Nerves, Near-Miss, and Redemption

Pegu's path to the podium was not without anxiety. He had narrowly missed a medal in the 100m butterfly, finishing fourth — a result that weighed on him heading into the 200m final. 'To be honest, I was really nervous, and I was really underconfident. Like before the finals, I missed the medal in the 100 metres. So I was really focusing mainly on the medal,' he admitted.

'I was really worried: what if I disappoint my coach, Sandeep sir, and everybody? So I was really worried about it. And I was really nervous. And during the race, in the last 50 metres, I was just thinking that I hope I get the medal,' he added. The determination in those final metres ultimately delivered the historic result.

Eyes on Olympics Finals and Commonwealth Games 2030

With the Youth Olympics bronze secured, Pegu has set his sights firmly on the senior circuit. His primary ambition is to become the first Indian swimmer ever to qualify for an Olympic finals. 'My main goal is to qualify for the finals in the Olympics and become the first Indian swimmer to ever qualify for the finals. It's the goal I have been wishing for from a very young age,' he said.

He also flagged the Commonwealth Games 2030, which India is set to host, as a major target. 'I want to bring glory for my country,' the teenager said. If his Youth Olympics breakthrough is any indication, Indian swimming may be witnessing the emergence of a generational talent.