Dhinidhi Desinghu takes two bronze medals at Dakar Youth Olympics, credits hard work

Dhinidhi Desinghu won bronze medals in the 100m and 200m freestyle at the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics, the Bengaluru report published on November 06, 2026 said. The article noted her podium finishes in both events at the Dakar Games.

Dhinidhi credited her parents and coaches’ constant encouragement for her success. “Behind this moment are years of early mornings, intense training and sacrifices,” she said. “The love and encouragement I’ve received from across India has been overwhelming.”

“These medals are a special milestone, but I have much bigger dreams — I want to keep improving, win more medals for India and inspire more young people to take up swimming,” added the 16-year-old, who is supported by Bajaj Finserv.

In the 100m freestyle, Dhinidhi came home in 56.27 seconds, a new best mark for Indian women in the 100m freestyle. In the 200m event, she clocked 2:02.28s.

Dhinidhi was India’s youngest athlete at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The effort fetched India its first aquatics medals at the Youth Olympics. The Youth Olympics came into existence in 2010 and of which Dakar is the fourth edition.