Ambikapur

Defying pain and adversity, Jharkhand wrestler Poonam Oraon delivered a remarkable performance to clinch gold at the 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 anything but easy. 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 back down. “If I haven’t given up in so many years, how could I give up now?” she said after her win, calling the gold medal 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 helped her push through. “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 is balancing academics with her sporting ambitions. Her next goal is to qualify for the Junior Nationals and continue 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 like Mallakhamb and Kabaddi.

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Poonam’s victory stands as a testament to resilience, determination, and the unyielding spirit of sport.