Arunachal Pradesh’s Nedi Ngi staged a strong finish to claim the women’s 5000m gold at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 on Monday, crossing the line in 18:24.66s. She overtook rivals in the final 200 metres to secure victory.
In the men’s race, Maharashtra dominated with Govind Padekar (15:11.35s) and Suraj Mashi (15:11.64s) taking gold and silver respectively, while Ranglal Dodiyar of Madhya Pradesh claimed bronze. Evening athletics events were later disrupted by unseasonal rains.
“I focused on academics for some time and am thrilled to win gold after graduation. My next goal is the National Camp and Indian team,” Ngi told SAI Media. Her performance lifted Arunachal to third in the medals table with six golds, one silver, and two bronze medals.
Karnataka extended its lead at the top with 17 golds, six silvers, and five bronzes, aided by wrestling golds from Rohan Doddamani (60kg Greco Roman) and Manisha Siddi (76kg women). Odisha remained second with nine golds, four silvers, and ten bronzes. Bihar’s Mulayam Kharwar secured the men’s 65kg freestyle gold.
In women’s hockey semifinals at Raipur’s international stadium, Odisha defeated Madhya Pradesh 8-0 to advance to the final against Mizoram, who overcame Jharkhand 3-2.
Key Results
Athletics – Women’s 5000m
Gold: Nedi Ngi (Arunachal Pradesh) – 18:24.66s
Silver: Aarti Dawar (Madhya Pradesh) – 18:29.28s
Bronze: Tsuchoi T (Nagaland) – 18:35.60s
Athletics – Men’s 5000m
Gold: Govind Padekar (Maharashtra) – 15:11.35s
Silver: Suraj Mashi (Maharashtra) – 15:11.64s
Bronze: Ranglal Dodiyar (Madhya Pradesh) – 15:22.48s
Women’s Hockey Semifinals
Mizoram 3-2 Jharkhand
Odisha 8-0 Madhya Pradesh
Wrestling Highlights
Women 53kg: Gold – Neha Oraon (Jharkhand); Silver – Pritima Khakhlary (Assam)
Women 76kg: Gold – Manisha Siddi (Karnataka); Silver – Muskan (Himachal Pradesh)
Men 65kg FS: Gold – Mulayam Kharwar (Bihar)
Men 97kg FS: Gold – Hamam Hussain (J&K)
Men 60kg GR: Gold – Rohan Doddamani (Karnataka)
Men 87kg GR: Gold – Piyush Gujjar (Himachal Pradesh)
