Basavanagudi aquatic centre

Khelo India Tribal Games: Over the past few days, Karnataka swimmer Manikanta probably felt like a model in a fashion show, constantly needing to change quickly between runway walks and prepare for the next act.

The 21-year-old shone at the first Khelo India Tribal Games in Raipur, aiming for nine gold medals in four days. He ultimately secured eight golds and one silver. The real challenge for Manikanta was switching between the pool and the victory podium after each race, which involved constantly changing clothes and mentally preparing himself for the next event.

Manikanta, a breaststroke specialist, decided to challenge himself by competing in all four swimming styles, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly, and freestyle, and aim for as many gold medals as he could for his state.