Daijiworld Media Network - Dakar

Dakar, Nov 3: Indian swimmer Dhinidhi Desinghu scripted history by becoming the first Indian female swimmer to win a medal at the Youth Olympic Games 2026 in Dakar, Senegal, claiming bronze in the women’s 100m freestyle event.

The 16-year-old clocked 56.27 seconds to finish third in the final. Croatia’s Ana Bobanovic clinched gold with a timing of 55.89 seconds, while New Zealand’s Alyssa Lawson secured silver in 56.13 seconds.

Desinghu had earlier become the first Indian female swimmer to qualify for a Youth Olympics final after advancing to the medal race in the women’s 100m freestyle. Her bronze medal marks a significant milestone for Indian swimming at the international youth event.

Meanwhile, Indian judoka Khushbu Rajakbhai Darjada also created history by becoming only the second Indian judoka to reach a Youth Olympic Games final. The 15-year-old assured herself of at least a silver medal in the women’s 63kg category after defeating Algeria’s Dounia Berrahoual in the semifinal.

Khushbu will now face Germany’s Cadet world champion Jolina Reinhold in the final, with an opportunity to become the first Indian judoka to win a gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games.

Thangjam Tababi Devi remains India’s only previous judo medallist at the competition. She won silver in the women’s 44kg category at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The achievements of Desinghu and Khushbu have added to India’s medal prospects at the Dakar Games, with both athletes making their mark on the international stage.