Junior nationals
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KITG: Jharkhand Wrestler Poonam Overcomes Career-threatening Injury To End 9-year-long Gold Medal Wait
Khelo India Tribal Games: In a physically demanding sport such as wrestling, where peak fitness is crucial, competing with an injured shoulder is a substantial risk. However, Jharkhand wrestler Poonam Oraon transformed that risk into an opportunity. Despite enduring pain in every match, she secured the gold medal at the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, creating an inspiring comeback story.
Each time Poonam made a tackle in the final of the women’s 50kg match at the Khelo India Tribal Games, she would wince in pain from her injured shoulder. The 19-year-old wrestler dislocated her shoulder at age 10, and the pain occasionally resurfaces.
The pain flared up again before the final match, forcing her to heavily strap her left shoulder just to participate. Despite the pain, she pushed through and defeated Telangana’s K Geetha to win her first gold medal at any national-level competition.
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