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

NewsSports NewsMore sports News16-year-old Dhinidhi Desinghu scripts history at Youth Olympics, becomes first Indian swimmer to win a medal 16-year-old Dhinidhi Desinghu scripts history at Youth Olympics, becomes first Indian swimmer to win a medal Edited by Jyotirmoy Halder / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Nov 02, 2026, 22:33 IST 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. Watch Kynan Chenai: The 38-Year-Old Gun Barrel, Asian Games Gold and the LA 2028 Dream | TOISA Spotlight 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.Join conversation 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.

Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app. Jyotirmoy Halder is a journalist and sports writer at TOI (digital), with a post-graduation in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi.

A passionate follower of sports since childhood, he has covered everything from mainstream to niche disciplines. His career began in 2018 with SportsKeeda, followed by roles at Fansided and Get Football, where he primarily covered European football.

Experienced in digital storytelling, data analysis, and athlete interviews, Jyotirmoy now works as a Digital Content Producer with The Times of India's sports team. India Signs Rs 53,866 Crore Deal For 8 Next-Generation Navy Corvettes Imran Khan Apologises In Bombay HC Over SIR Protest, ‘Leave India’ Notice Put On Hold ‘Come If You Have Guts’: Rahul Dares PM Modi To Open Debate, Alleges ‘Foreign Help’ Behind Rise ‘Against Hindutva’: BMC Removes Dia Mirza's Anti-Pollution Diwali Video After BJP Protests Two Kuki Youths, Mutilated Bodies & Angry Protests: Manipur Sees Fresh Unrest 280 Kmph Speed, Next-Gen Features- Indias First Bullet Train Takes Shape In Bengaluru