Daijiworld Media Network - Raipur
Raipur, Mar 29: Weightlifter Nikita ended hosts Chhattisgarh’s wait for a gold medal, while Odisha’s women swimmers swept all three golds on Day 4 of the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 on Saturday.
Nikita delivered a dominant performance in the women’s 77kg weightlifting category, clinching gold with a total lift of 160kg (70kg snatch and 90kg clean & jerk). She finished a massive 34kg ahead of Srimati Jani of Odisha, while Joyshree Patir of Assam secured bronze with 118kg.
“It is a special moment for me as this is my first gold medal in Khelo India. I was confident after my preparation through the year,” Nikita said.
In swimming, Odisha dominated the women’s events, with Ritika Minz winning gold in the 100m freestyle, Anjali Munda topping the 50m backstroke, and the state also clinching the 4x100m medley relay. Anjali emerged as a standout performer, finishing with five gold medals, including four in individual events.
Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh made significant gains in the medal tally by winning both men’s weightlifting golds. Ruba Tadu claimed gold in the 88kg category with a total of 274kg, while Lalu Taku won the 94kg event with 250kg.
In the women’s 69kg category, Dimpi Sonowal led an Assam 1-2 finish with a total of 155kg, followed by Pallavi Payeng (131kg).
In the overall standings, Karnataka continued to lead the medal tally with 15 gold, six silver and three bronze medals. Odisha remained second with seven gold, three silver and 10 bronze, while Chhattisgarh moved to seventh with a total of eight medals, including one gold.
The competition continues to intensify as states battle for top honours in the multi-sport event.