Ambikapur, April 4 (IANS) The saying ‘talent needs no introduction’ found a fitting example at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, where wrestlers from Karnataka’s Siddi community have made a powerful statement on the mat. Their success is no longer just about medals—it reflects the emergence of an entire community as a force in wrestling. Of African descent, there are about 50,000 Siddis in India of which one-third live in Karnataka.Out of the nine wrestlers representing Karnataka at KIT…
Latest SAI Media News & Updates
Raipur, April 2 (IANS) Odisha concluded its impressive campaign by winning both the men’s and women’s hockey gold medals at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 in Raipur, held at the Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium. The men’s final saw Odisha beat Jharkhand 4-1, while the women’s final was a tight contest, with Odisha narrowly defeating Mizoram 1-0. Jharkhand’s men’s team earned silver; Chhattisgarh took bronze; and, in the women’s category, Jharkhand also claimed a well-des…
Raipur, April 2 (IANS) When Kiran Pisda stepped into the goal for the penalty shootout against Arunachal Pradesh in the semi-finals of the Khelo India Tribal Games, she drew on all her experience handling challenges and setbacks, which only strengthened her resilience. At 24, Kiran likely reaches the height of her skills and abilities. She has already competed in league football across Europe and is now close to earning her spot on the Indian team for major international tournaments.However, the…
Ambikapur, April 1 (IANS) When Jammu and Kashmir’s Hamam Hussain isn’t occupied with wrestling practice, he assists his elder brother in delivering milk door-to-door. Hussain and his brother have been selling milk to support their family since their father died five years ago, all while pursuing his wrestling ambitions. All those efforts finally paid off at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, where the 28-year-old wrestler from Jorawar village in Jammu won the men’s 79kg freestyle gold, def…
Raipur, March 30 (IANS) When Pallavi Payeng’s daughter was just six months old, the weightlifter had to make a difficult choice to either leave the sport she loved so much or sacrifice her time with her daughter and go back to training. Her husband Sukhawon Thouwmung then agreed to pursue her dream while her mother offered to take care of the infant. Pallavi made all those sacrifice count as she bagged the silver medal in the women’s 69kg category at the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games he…
Raipur, March 30 (IANS) Back in 2021, when Komalika Bari emulated her state-mate Dipika Kumari in becoming only the second Indian women recurve archer to clinch the World Cadet and World Junior titles, a lot was expected from the Jamshedpur-born archer. But the transition to the senior circuit after a stupendous showing in the junior circuit hasn’t been that smooth for Komalika, who has been knocking on the doors of the Indian national team for major events like the Asian Games and the 2028 Ol…
Raipur, March 29 (IANS) Over the past few days, Karnataka swimmer Manikanta probably felt like a model in a fashion show, constantly needing to change quickly between runway walks and prepare for the next act. The 21-year-old shone at the first Khelo India Tribal Games in Raipur, aiming for nine gold medals in four days. He ultimately secured eight golds and one silver. The real challenge for Manikanta was switching between the pool and the victory podium after each race, which involved constant…
Raipur, March 29 (IANS) Isak Malsawmtluanga was nearly ready to give up weightlifting after losing both parents before turning 16. The tragedy deeply affected the Mizo teenager, but support from his childhood coach and his aunt and uncle helped save his sporting career. At 18, he made everyone proud by winning the men’s 60kg gold medal at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 here. Battling a troublesome back, Isak delivered a strong performance in the clean and jerk, placing second after the snat…
Leh, Jan 23 (IANS) Figure skating coach Natalie Falsgraf’s love affair with Ladakh, which began in 2018, has found fresh resonance during the ongoing Khelo India Winter Games 2026, where figure skating has been introduced for the first time.The former senior-level skater from the United States continues to give back to the region by nurturing young local talent, driven purely by passion and a deep bond with the Ladakhi ice skating community.Natalie is currently a key member of the Ladakh Women…
Diu, Jan 10 (IANS) Prasanna Bendre was compelled to switch weight categories and move up a class in Pencak Silat Tanding just 20 days before the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2026, presenting a significant challenge at home. Despite this, he maintained his dominance in Pencak Silat, securing a gold medal at the second edition of the Beach Games.Bendre, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu’s star Pencak Silat athlete, was looking forward to defending his Tanding gold on home turf at the Kh…