From Classroom Choice to Gold: Odisha Teen Anjali Munda Makes History at KITG 2026

Raipur — What began as a simple classroom decision in 2022 turned into a historic triumph for Odisha’s young swimmer Anjali Munda at the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026. When her sports teacher asked students to pick a discipline, the then 11-year-old quietly raised her hand and chose swimming — the only sport she was familiar with. That modest choice has now brought her national glory.

Hailing from Gahiragadiya village in Odisha’s Jajpur district, around 100 km from Bhubaneswar, Anjali initially saw swimming as just a fun activity. She had never undergone formal training and only enjoyed splashing around in the water. The youngest among four siblings, she moved to the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) at the age of 10, where tribal students receive free education and boarding. Inspired by her elder sister, who pursued archery, Anjali still trusted her natural comfort in the water and opted for swimming.

It took time for her to build confidence, but a silver medal at a local club tournament a year later changed everything. “That silver was the first medal of my life and very special. It boosted my confidence. I’m grateful to my coaches for believing in me and working hard during training,” said the 15-year-old swimmer.

On the opening day of the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games in Raipur, Anjali scripted history by becoming the first female gold medallist. She clocked 2:39.02 in the 200m freestyle, preventing Karnataka — traditionally a swimming powerhouse — from sweeping all six gold medals available that day. ?

Anjali credits her progress to targeted initiatives by the Union Sports Ministry, particularly the ASMITA League. In 2024, she secured two silver medals at the Khelo India ASMITA League in Sambalpur, narrowly missing podium finishes in other events. Those performances further strengthened her belief in competing at bigger platforms.

She continued her impressive run at the recent Khelo India ASMITA (U-15 & U-18) Swimming League (East Zone) in Guwahati on March 21–22, where she bagged two more silver medals. Carrying that momentum into the Tribal Games, she clinched her first national gold just days later.

Despite the landmark achievement, Anjali admitted she wasn’t entirely satisfied, as she hoped to beat her personal best of 2:25. Now, she has her sights set on improving in upcoming events, including the women’s 50m backstroke, 100m backstroke, and 200m individual medley.

From a classroom pick to a national gold medal, Anjali Munda’s journey reflects determination, opportunity, and belief — and her story is only just beginning.

With inputs from IANS