Poonam Oraon Defies Injury to Win Gold at Khelo India Tribal Games 2026

Competing in the women’s 50kg category, the 19-year-old battled through a recurring shoulder injury to secure her first gold medal at a national-level competition. Facing Telangana’s K Geetha in the final, Poonam fought through visible pain, her shoulder heavily strapped, to emerge victorious.

Her journey to gold has been marked by persistent struggle. Poonam first dislocated her shoulder at the age of 10, shortly after taking up wrestling in 2017. Though she recovered, the injury continued to trouble her over the years, resurfacing at critical moments, including just before the final bout.

Despite the setback, she refused to withdraw. “If I haven’t given up in so many years, how could I give up now?” she said after her win, describing the gold medal as a dream come true after years of struggle.

Hailing from Suiyabar village in Jharkhand’s Chatra district, Poonam had earlier secured bronze medals at the School Games Federation of India nationals in 2018 and 2019, but a gold medal had eluded her until now.

Even ahead of the tournament, she was not fully fit, with her family advising her to skip the event. However, encouragement from her coach and support staff enabled her to compete. “This injury is nothing compared to the pain of not winning gold for nine years,” she said.

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Ranchi University, Poonam continues to balance academics with her sporting ambitions. Her next objective is to qualify for the Junior Nationals and sustain her winning momentum.

The Khelo India Tribal Games aims to identify and nurture sporting talent from tribal communities across the country. The inaugural edition, being held in Chhattisgarh from March 25 to April 3, features nine disciplines, including wrestling, athletics, football, and archery, along with demonstration sports such as Mallakhamb and Kabaddi.

Poonam Oraon’s victory stands as a testament to resilience and determination, underscoring the growing impact of national initiatives in bringing tribal sporting talent to the forefront.