March 26, New Delhi – Dhoneesh N from Karnataka and Anjali Munda from Odisha won the first two gold medals of the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, held in Chhattisgarh.
Dhoneesh and Anjali secured gold medals in the men's and women's 200-meter freestyle swimming events, respectively. Karnataka dominated the swimming pool, winning five out of the six gold medals available.
After Day 1, Karnataka leads the medal count with seven medals, followed by Odisha with four medals, while the host state of Chhattisgarh is in fourth place with two medals.
A total of 106 gold medals are up for grabs across sports like archery, athletics, football, hockey, swimming, weightlifting, and wrestling, while traditional sports such as Mallakhamb and Kabaddi will be demonstration sports.
(Photo Caption: Dhoneesh N from Karnataka and Anjali Munda from Odisha won the first two gold medals of the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 in Chhattisgarh)