16-year-old Dhinidhi Desinghu makes history at the Youth Olympics, becoming the first Indian swimmer to win a medal

Dhinidhi Desinghu (photo agency) India’s Dhinidhi Desinghu made history at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal by becoming the first Indian female swimmer to win a medal at the competition.The 16-year-old won bronze in the 100m freestyle in 56.27 seconds. Croatia’s Ana Bobanovic claimed 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 swimmer to reach a Youth Olympic Games 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 and highlighted that she broke the national record three times this year.“She’s worked really hard. She’s broken the national record three times this year. She’s in shape. She has another shot at a medal in the 200-meter freestyle. She actually has a better chance to win another medal there,” he said.Ameen also spoke about her mental strength and experience, having already competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics.“Dhinidhi is very mentally demanding. 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 the Indian contingent at the Paris Olympics. He is now looking to add another medal in the 200m freestyle at the 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 match in the round of 16 against Guinea’s Mamaissata Camara.Khushbu secured a 1-0 victory with a yuko, a minor scoring point awarded for effective technique.Her opponent also received a minor penalty, known as Shido, for breaking the rules.