PANAJI
Goa registered an impressive showing in athletics at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, clinching a gold and a silver medal on Day 2 of the competition at the Krida Parisar Athletic Stadium in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh.
Leading the charge was Manasi Mohan Kunkalkar, who struck gold in the women’s shot put event with a best throw of 9.72 metres. Kunkalkar produced a consistent series to stay ahead of her competitors and seal the top spot on the podium. Bihar’s Anamika Kumari Gond secured the silver medal with a throw of 9.50 metres, while Meghalaya’s Melibadkro claimed bronze with 9.43 metres.
Another Goan participant, Grisha Shirodkar, also featured in the final and finished 11th with a throw of 7.95 metres, adding to the State’s presence in the event.
Later in the day, Vaibhav Vishwas Gaonkar added to Goa’s medal tally by clinching the silver medal in the men’s high jump event. Gaonkar cleared 1.91 metres in a strong performance but fell just short of the gold after failing to clear 1.94 metres in his final attempt, ultimately settling for second place.
Hailing from Karmane in Dharbandora, Gaonkar has been in fine form in the lead-up to the Games. He had topped the table in the second phase of the selection trials held in Ranchi, and carried that momentum into the national event with a podium finish.
