Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Mizoram stole the show on Day 5 of the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, dominating wrestling and weightlifting events in Raipur.

Thrilling Wins Light Up Day 5 in Raipur

The Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 continued to deliver edge-of-the-seat action on its fifth day, with wrestling and weightlifting stealing the spotlight in Raipur. Held across various venues including Ambikapur for wrestling, the multi-sport event showcased the raw talent from tribal communities across India. Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Mizoram emerged as the day's biggest winners, grabbing multiple gold medals and shaking up the overall standings. Karnataka held firm at the top, but the surge from these states added fresh excitement to the competition. Athletes from these regions displayed remarkable skill and determination, turning the arenas into battlegrounds of grit and glory.

Wrestling kicked off with high intensity, drawing large crowds eager to witness the grapples and takedowns. The event highlighted how tribal youth are rising in national sports, blending traditional strength with modern techniques. As medals were decided, the atmosphere buzzed with cheers, underscoring the games' role in promoting fitness and unity among diverse communities.

Jharkhand and Himachal Pradesh Rule the Wrestling Mat

Jharkhand broke through with two stellar gold medal performances in wrestling. Poonam Oraon opened the tally by defeating Telangana's Geetha K 6-3 in the women's 50kg final, showcasing composure under pressure with smart defensive moves and quick counters. Not far behind, Anjit Kumar Munda dominated the men's 67kg Greco-Roman category, securing gold via technical superiority against Gujarat's Mukesh Vasva. These victories marked Jharkhand's strong entry into the gold medal race, reflecting their robust training programs for young wrestlers.

Himachal Pradesh matched Jharkhand's haul stride for stride. Navish Kumar powered to victory in the men's 97kg Greco-Roman event, overpowering his opponent with sheer strength and precise technique. Priyanka Chaudhary complemented this by claiming gold in the women's 62kg category, her agile footwork and relentless attacks proving decisive. Both states' successes highlighted their growing wrestling pipelines, inspiring younger talents back home.

"These wins are a testament to the hard work our tribal athletes put in day after day; they've made us all proud and shown the world what we're capable of," said a jubilant coach from Himachal Pradesh after the medals were awarded.

Mizoram's Weightlifting Surge and Medal Tally Shifts

Mizoram wrapped up weightlifting on a high note, clinching two more golds to reach a total of four in the discipline. Zosangzuali lifted an impressive 140kg in the women's +86kg category, her final heave silencing the crowd before erupting into applause. David Zohmingmawia followed with a massive 290kg total in the men's +110kg, demonstrating explosive power and flawless form. These feats propelled Mizoram to fifth place overall, a remarkable climb fueled by consistent performances throughout the games.

Other states added to the drama in weightlifting too. Arunachal Pradesh's Sambo Lapung snatched gold in the men's 100kg with 299kg, helping his team jump to third in the standings ahead of Assam. Host Chhattisgarh picked up silver through Rishika Kashyap in women's 86kg and bronze via Lucky Babu Markam in men's 110kg, though they slipped to ninth overall. Karnataka maintained their lead with 15 golds, six silvers, and four bronzes, while Odisha sat second with nine golds. These shifts kept the medal race wide open as more events unfolded.

The day's results not only celebrated individual triumphs but also boosted participation from tribal regions, aligning with the games' goal of grassroots development. Coaches and officials noted the high level of competition, predicting even fiercer battles ahead.

In summary, Day 5 of KITG 2026 saw Jharkhand and Himachal Pradesh each bag two wrestling golds, Mizoram shine in weightlifting with two more victories, and key shifts in the medal tally led by Karnataka. The event continues to inspire with its display of talent and sportsmanship.

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• #Wrestling
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