Dhinidhi Desinghu wins India's first Youth Olympics swimming medal with bronze
The 16-year-old from Bengaluru finished third in the women's 100m freestyle at Dakar 2026.
Dhinidhi Desinghu became India's first swimmer to win a Youth Olympics medal, taking bronze in the girls' 100m freestyle at Dakar 2026 with a national record time.
Key takeaways
- Dhinidhi Desinghu won bronze in the women's 100m freestyle at Dakar 2026
- She clocked 56.27 seconds, setting a new national record
- She is India's first swimmer to win a medal at a Youth Olympics
- She will swim the 200m freestyle later in the Games
Dhinidhi Desinghu has won India's first-ever medal in swimming at the Youth Olympics, according to NDTV. The 16-year-old from Bengaluru finished third in the women's 100m freestyle at Dakar 2026 on Monday, November 2, 2026. 27 seconds, setting a new national record. 13 seconds.
India Today reported that Desinghu became the first Indian swimmer to win a medal at an Olympic event, across senior and youth editions.
Historic first and earlier results
Desinghu had already made history earlier in the competition by becoming the first Indian female swimmer to qualify for a Youth Olympics final. 53 seconds).
NDTV reported that two-time Olympian Srihari Nataraj in 2018 and Tirthank Pegu in the ongoing edition are the other two Indian swimmers to have made the final of the Youth Olympics.
About the Youth Olympics
The Youth Olympic Games are an international multi-sport event for athletes aged 15 to 18 years old, organized by the International Olympic Committee. The Games are held every four years in staggered summer and winter events.
The first summer version was held in Singapore from 14 to 26 August 2010. The 2026 Summer Youth Olympics, officially known as the IV Summer Youth Olympic Games and commonly known as Dakar 2026, is the fourth edition of the Summer Youth Olympics.
It is being held in Dakar, Senegal, for 14 days from 31 October to 13 November 2026, becoming the first IOC event to be held in Africa and the first Youth Olympic Games under the IOC presidency of Kirsty Coventry.
Coach's comments and what happens next
NDTV spoke to Desinghu's coach, Nihar Ameen, after the historic medal. He said she has been working really hard and that this year she has broken the national record three times.
He described her as mentally very tough and noted she has already competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Ameen said she has another shot at a medal in the 200m freestyle event and that she has a better chance of winning another medal there.
He added that they are very hopeful she will win another medal at this Youth Olympics.
Women's 100m freestyle medal results at Dakar 2026
Swimmer | Country | Time | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|
Ana Bobanovic | Croatia | 55.89 seconds | Gold |
Alyssa Lawson | New Zealand | 56.13 seconds | Silver |
Dhinidhi Desinghu | India | 56.27 seconds | Bronze |
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