Anjali comes from Gahiragadiya village in Odisha\u2019s Jajpur district, about 100 kilometres from Bhubaneswar. She knew swimming as a fun activity that involved splashing water, but she never received any formal training. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Anjali, the youngest of four siblings whose father is a van driver at a local factory, moved to the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) at age 10. There, tribal students from across the state receive free education and boarding. She was initially inspired by her elder sister, an archer. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, when the opportunity arose, Anjali selected swimming as her preferred sport, trusting her innate ease in the water. Although it took her some time to develop the confidence to compete, she has never looked back after winning a silver medal at a local club tournament a year later.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe silver medal was the first in my life, and is very special. It gave me the confidence that I could do well in the sport. I have to thank my coaches for believing in me, and the effort that they put during my training sessions,\u201d said the 15-year-old Anjali, who became the first female gold medallist on the opening day of the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games here on Wednesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In fact, if Anjali had not clocked 2:39:02 to win the gold in the 200m freestyle, Karnataka, India\u2019s swimming powerhouse, would have claimed all six gold medals available on the opening day. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Anjali emphasises that her upward trend is due to the Union Sports Ministry\u2019s targeted initiatives, such as the ASMITA League (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action).<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIn 2024, I won two silver medals in the Khelo India ASMITA League, held in Sambalpur. I had finished within striking distances of the podium in the other two events. The medals boosted my confidence further, and I believed I could do well in the bigger tournaments,\u201d she added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Anjali continued to excel at the recent Khelo India ASMITA (U-15 & U-18) Swimming League (East Zone) held on March 21 and 22 in Guwahati, where she won a couple of silver medals. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIn 2024, I won two silver medals in the Khelo India ASMITA League, held in Sambalpur. I had finished within striking distances of the podium in the other two events. The medals boosted my confidence further, and I believed I could do well in the bigger tournaments,\u201d she added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The young athlete is now aiming to beat her personal bests in the upcoming events, specifically the women\u2019s 50m backstroke, 100m backstroke, and 200m individual medley.<\/p>\r\n\r\n