Raipur, April 2: The penultimate day of the Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) 2026 delivered high drama and defining performances as hosts Chhattisgarh clinched the women's football gold, while athletics stars Shiv Kumar Soren, Reethushree and Nagini completed impressive double-gold campaigns.
Chhattisgarh produced a composed performance to defeat Jharkhand 1-0 in the women's football final, securing one of the most emotional wins of the Games.
Captain Kiran Pisda Shines in Final
Captain Kiran Pisda proved decisive, capitalising on a defensive lapse in the 61st minute to score the only goal of the match.
Despite sustained pressure from Jharkhand, the hosts held firm to seal the title.
"It's a special moment for us. I am very happy that we could win the gold medal in front of our home
crowd," Kiran said.
The win added to Chhattisgarh's growing medal tally, alongside a silver in the men's 4x400m relay and bronze in men's 1500m.
Athletics: Soren, Reethushree, Nagini Complete Doubles
Athletics continued to dominate proceedings in Jagdalpur, with multiple athletes completing golden doubles:
- Shiv Kumar Soren (Jharkhand) - 200m gold (21.51s) after 100m win
- Reethushree (Karnataka) - 200m gold (25.87s) after 400m triumph
- Nagini (Karnataka) - 1500m gold (4:43.87s) to complete 800m-1500m double
- Jharkhand's Rahul Oraon also shone, winning gold in men's 1500m, while Odisha dominated the men's 4x400m relay.
Archery: Jharkhand Strike Gold in Recurve Mixed Team
Archery added to Jharkhand's medal surge as Komalika Bari and Krishna Pingua clinched gold in the recurve mixed team event.
Maharashtra also impressed, with Harshwardhan Ingle winning the compound individual title and later adding a mixed team gold.
Medal Tally After Day 9
- Karnataka - 23 gold (leaders)
- Odisha - 20 gold (second)
- Jharkhand - 14 gold (third)
Karnataka remain firmly ahead, but Odisha and Jharkhand continue to close the gap heading into the final day.
Match Report: Women's Football Final
Chhattisgarh 1-0 Jharkhand; Goal: Kiran Pisda (61')
Chhattisgarh absorbed early pressure before growing into the game. The decisive moment came in the second half when Pisda seized on a defensive error to score.
Jharkhand pushed hard for an equaliser but were denied by a disciplined defensive display from the hosts, who held on to secure a historic gold medal.
Khhelo India Tribal Games 2026 Day 9 - Complete Results
| Sport | Event | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|
Football (Women)FinalChhattisgarh (1-0 vs Jharkhand)JharkhandArunachal Pradesh, Gujarat
Athletics (Women)200mReethushree (Karnataka) - 25.87sAnamika Oraon (Jharkhand) - 26.13sAdhithya KM (Kerala) - 26.67s
Athletics (Women)1500mNagini (Karnataka) - 4:43.87sShakila Vasave (Maharashtra) - 4:48.94sSunita Santa (Odisha) - 4:53.72s
Athletics (Women)10000mSanjita Oraon (West Bengal) - 40:21.18sSandhya Murmu (Odisha) - 41:17.79sBalarisha Thyrniang (Meghalaya) - 42:29.41s
Athletics (Women)4x400m RelayJharkhand - 3:58.03sOdisha - 4:05.69sMaharashtra - 4:11.90s
Athletics (Women)Long JumpPriti Lakra (Jharkhand) - 5.54mMartina Lakra (Madhya Pradesh) - 5.47mMayuri Gamit (Gujarat) - 5.42m
Athletics (Men)200mShiv Kumar Soren (Jharkhand) - 21.51sArpan Tai (Assam) - 22.38sJagdish Meena (Rajasthan) - 22.48s
Athletics (Men)1500mRahul Oraon (Jharkhand) - 4:01.18sKartik Kariharpal (Maharashtra) - 4:01.23sManish Kumar (Chhattisgarh) - 4:01.50s
Athletics (Men)10000mWede Tmero (Nagaland) - 32:28.46sKamlakar Deshmukh (Maharashtra) - 32:42.29sHans Raj (Jammu & Kashmir) - 32:54.98s
Athletics (Men)4x400m RelayOdisha - 3:18.47sChhattisgarh - 3:19.26sJharkhand - 3:19.62s
Athletics (Men)Javelin ThrowGulab Singh (Madhya Pradesh) - 62.80mPromod Hagier (Assam) - 62.30mSomnath Singh (Odisha) - 58.05m
ArcheryRecurve Mixed TeamJharkhandOdishaNagaland
ArcheryCompound Mixed TeamMaharashtraAndhra PradeshJharkhand
