Karnataka extended its commanding lead atop the medal standings today, powered by dominant performances in swimming on the third day of the Khelo India Tribal Games. Karnataka finished the day with 13 gold, five silver and one bronze medal, with all its gold medals coming from swimming events. Odisha remained in second place with six gold medals, while Assam held third with two.

 

Meghanjali led Karnataka’s charge with two gold medals in the women’s 50-meter breaststroke and 50-meter freestyle, while Manikanta L secured gold in the men’s 100-meter butterfly and 50-meter breaststroke. Dhunesh N added another gold in the men’s 50-meter freestyle. Tanvi Dhurve of Maharashtra claimed gold in the women’s 100-metre butterfly, marking her state’s first gold medal at the games.

 

In weightlifting, Arunachal Pradesh made a strong impact by winning two gold medals, with Ane Wangsu topping the women’s 58kg category and Richin winning the men’s 89kg division. Odisha’s Bidu Smita Bhoi secured gold in the women’s 63kg event, while Mizoram’s Silvan finished first in the men’s 71kg category.

 

The women’s football group stage witnessed one-sided contests, with Gujarat thrashing Andhra Pradesh 25-0 and Jharkhand defeating Assam 9-1. Competition is set to intensify on Saturday as wrestling begins in Ambikapur, with 144 athletes from 30 states expected to compete.