From Komalika Bari to Anjali Munda, Khelo India Tribal Games Showcase Strong Pipeline of Future Talent

Raipur, April 7, 2026: The first Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, held in Chhattisgarh, brought together athletes from tribal communities across the country on a common platform, where players of various levels showcased their talent. For some, it was their first experience participating in a multi-sport competition, while for others, it proved to be the next significant step in their burgeoning careers.
This inaugural edition saw participation from 30 states and union territories, with approximately 3800 athletes competing across nine sports disciplines. A total of 106 gold medals were at stake in archery, athletics, football, hockey, swimming, weightlifting, and wrestling, while traditional sports like Mallakhamb and Kabaddi were included as demonstration sports.
As India prepares to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and strengthens its bid for the potential hosting of the 2036 Olympics, the Khelo India Tribal Games provided an opportunity for athletes from diverse tribal backgrounds to showcase their potential and bolster India’s bench strength in various sports. The games were held in three cities in Chhattisgarh—Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Ambikapur.
Here’s a glimpse of some athletes who are already making an impact at the national and international level, and some who have shown potential for future excellence.
Manikanta L (Swimmer)
Emerging as one of the most successful athletes of the games, Manikanta L laid a strong foundation for Karnataka to become the overall champion by winning eight gold medals and one silver medal in the swimming competition. The 21-year-old Manikanta has previously won medals at the Khelo India University Games and is preparing to secure a place in the Indian team for the upcoming Asian Games. He participated in several events as part of this preparation.
A specialist in the 200m breaststroke, Manikanta dominated most of his races. He believes that his performance here will give him the confidence to prepare with greater focus for the Asian Games qualification.
Anjali Munda (Swimmer)
15-year-old Anjali Munda from the Jajpur district of Odisha was one of the most shining emerging stars in the swimming competition. By winning a total of five gold medals in the 200m freestyle, 200m individual medley, 100m backstroke, 50m backstroke, and 4×100 medley, she not only showcased her versatility but also demonstrated the ability to outperform athletes much older than her.
Anjali, a student at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, was participating in her first Khelo India Games but did not appear to be under any pressure despite the grand stage of the competition. She possesses the full potential to shine at the international level.
Komalika Bari (Archer)
Komalika Bari, the second Indian after Deepika Kumari to become a World Cadet and World Youth Champion, is among the strong contenders for a place in the Indian team for the 2026 Asian Games. She was preparing for selection trials in Pune and felt that participating in the Khelo India Tribal Games, given the level of competition, would prove to be valuable match practice for her.
And her decision proved correct. Although she returned with gold medals in the individual and mixed team recurve events, this archer from Jharkhand faced tough competition in every match. In the women’s team event, she had to settle for a silver medal after losing to Nagaland in the final.
Kiran Pisda (Footballer)
Kiran Pisda, captain of the Chhattisgarh women’s football team, led from the front and played a crucial role in her team winning the gold medal by donning the gloves as a goalkeeper during the penalty shootout in the semifinals. Kiran was not only her team’s top scorer but also demonstrated how excellent leadership can transform a team by brilliantly leading the young squad.
Kiran has already represented India in SAFF competitions and has also played in the Croatian league. This 24-year-old player is now hoping to secure a regular spot in the Indian national team, as she is capable of playing in any position.
Babulal Hembram (Weightlifter)
19-year-old Babulal Hembram from Jharkhand became the first weightlifter from his state to win a gold medal at the Khelo India Youth Games in 2024. He is also the first international weightlifter from his state to have won medals at the IWF World Youth Championships and the Asian Youth Championships.
Babulal, who hails from Keribanda village in Ramgarh district, is now transitioning from the junior to the senior circuit and is training at the National Camp at SAI Patiala. The silver medal won at the Khelo India Tribal Games now gives him the confidence to challenge senior athletes.
Shiva Kumar Soren (Sprinter)
Jharkhand sprinter Shiva Kumar Soren easily won gold medals in both the 100m and 200m events. He clocked 10.58 seconds in the 100m and 21.51 seconds in the 200m. Shiva, a trainee at the Centre of Excellence in Bokaro, has a strong physique and shows potential for running even faster in the future.
Jhilli Dalabehera (Odisha)
Jhilli Dalabehera, one of Odisha’s most successful weightlifters, won a gold medal in the 45kg category at the 2020 Asian Weightlifting Championships and a silver medal in the 49kg category at the 2021 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships. Jhilli, an employee of Indian Railways, participated in the 53kg category at the Khelo India Tribal Games and clinched the gold medal.
Bhargavi Bhagora (Archer)
21-year-old Bhargavi Bhagora from Gujarat faced defeat against Komalika Bari in the recurve individual final in Raipur, but the way she gave a tough fight to the more experienced opponent until the end will give her a lot of confidence before the selection trials for the Indian team for the Asian Games in Japan.
Bhargavi, who comes from the Aravalli district, has won three medals in various editions of the Khelo India University Games and is currently training at the Nadiad High Performance Center supported by the Sports Authority of India.