Dhinidhi Desinghu becomes first Indian female swimmer to win Youth Olympics medal
The 16-year-old secured a bronze medal in the women's 100m freestyle event at the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal.
Dhinidhi Desinghu became the first Indian female swimmer to win a medal at the Youth Olympics, according to the Times of India. The 16-year-old swimmer earned a bronze medal in the women's 100m freestyle in Dakar, Senegal, with a time of 56.27 seconds.
Croatia's Ana Bobanovic took the gold medal in 55.89 seconds, while Alyssa Lawson from New Zealand won silver in 56.13 seconds. Desinghu had previously become the first Indian female swimmer to reach a Youth Olympics final after recording a time of 56.80 seconds in the heats.
Coach Nihar Ameen said that Desinghu has broken the national record three times this year and is currently in form. He noted that she has a strong chance of winning another medal in the upcoming 200m freestyle event.
Ameen also described Desinghu as mentally tough, noting that she was the youngest member of the Indian contingent at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Desinghu is now aiming for another medal in the 200m freestyle at the Dakar games.
In judo, 15-year-old Khushbu Rajakbhai Darjada won her women's 63kg round-of-16 match against Guinea's Mamaissata Camara. Darjada secured a 1-0 win via a yuko after her opponent received a Shido penalty.