Dhinidhi Desinghu, who won a bronze in both 100m and 200m freestyle swimming at the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics recently, 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.

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

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