Historic! 16-yr-old Dhinidhi becomes first Indian swimmer to win a Youth Oly medal

Dhinidhi Desinghu (Agency Photo)

India's Dhinidhi Desinghu created history at the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal, by becoming the first Indian female swimmer to win a medal at the competition.The 16-year-old secured bronze in the women's 100m freestyle, clocking 56.27 seconds.

Croatia's Ana Bobanovic won gold in 55.89 seconds, while New Zealand's Alyssa Lawson took silver in 56.13 seconds.

The medal adds another milestone to Desinghu's growing swimming career. She had earlier become the first Indian female swimmer to reach a Youth Olympics final after finishing third-fastest overall in the heats with a time of 56.80 seconds.

A promising swimmer with another medal opportunity

Her coach, Nihar Ameen, praised her hard work and recent performances, highlighting that she had broken the national record three times this year."She has been working really hard. This year, she has broken the national record three times. She is in form. She has another shot at a medal in the 200m freestyle event. In fact, she has a better chance of winning another medal there," he said.

Ameen also spoke about her mental strength and experience, having already competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics."Dhinidhi is mentally very tough. She has already competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

We are very hopeful that she will win another medal at this Youth Olympics."Desinghu was the youngest member of India's contingent at the Paris Olympics. She is now looking to add another medal in the 200m freestyle at Dakar.

Khushbu Darjada wins in judo

There was more good news for India in judo, as 15-year-old Khushbu Rajakbhai Darjada won her women's 63kg round-of-16 bout against Guinea's Mamaissata Camara.Khushbu secured a 1-0 victory through a yuko, a minor scoring point awarded for an effective technique.Her opponent also received a minor penalty, known as a Shido, for a rule infringement.